The Atlantic girls soccer team began practice on Monday after school. The Trojans have 21 girls out for soccer this year currently, three of which are seniors, Haley Carlson, Lileigh Brown and Madison Helvie.

Assistant coach Daniel Vargason says the team this year is very young, a lot of freshman and only three seniors, about 21 girls in total. Vargason was asked about what the future of Atlantic girls soccer looks like, Vargason said, “Anytime you can get a big freshmen class that’s good, with being a young team, it looks good.”

Some of the tougher opponents the Trojan girls with be facing this season include any schools from Council Bluffs, Lewis Central for example. The team’s’ record last season was 6-11, so the girls are obviously looking for improvement.

Vargason said that some of the team strengths are playing as a team, just being a team itself, but some of the weaknesses include the player’s’ skills. “Our skills are a little behind. We need to work on skill and technique.” Although, there are some key players returning this season, including the three seniors, Carlson, Brown and Helvie. Carlson played goalie last season while Helvie and Brown both played important roles to the team. Vargason said Alyssa Ginther and Abigail Brown are both up and coming players that could play a role on the team.

Last season the team lost several seniors, including Jennifer Hohenberger, Nicole Baier, Lindsay Keltch, Ashleigh Waltz, Taylor Jessen and Tori Bruck. Hohenberger was a key center defender and Baier and Keltch were the team’s leading scorers, scoring 82% of the team’s goals.

The girls first game will be against Kuemper Catholic, Mon. April 4 at Atlantic High School at 6:30 p.m. Come out and support the Trojans!