Dunwoody Wildcat Girls Soccer Team Builds Momentum

Ask a Dunwoody girls soccer player how much one game turns things around.

Last season's state playoff appearance was that fleeting, but the Wildcats' first state showing since the mid 1990s has created still palpable momentum.

"We're bringing pride back to Dunwoody soccer," third-year coach Mike May said. "We definitely feel we can (reach the playoffs again)."

With Tuesday's 2-0 win over River Ridge, the Wildcats (3-2) already are making a second consecutive playoff appearance more than just casual talk. They take a swagger into Friday's home game against Douglass at North DeKalb Stadium.

"We've turned the program around," May said. "It seems like everyone's gotten on board and has gotten the picture that, 'Hey, we really are a pretty talented team.'"

Sparked in part by the Dunwoody boys' 3-0 start, the Wildcat girls are focused more on the game and less on individual accolades that sometimes holds back even the most talented teams.

May's girls take the field Friday having outscored opponents 16-5 and with all their wins by shutout. Before Emily Strahan and Avery Wood scored to blank River Ridge, the Wildcats beat Tucker 1-0 and Redan 12-0.

May said key to the fast start has been playing together, as evidenced by three goals each from forward Becka Kilbourne and midfielders Wood and Strahan. Forward Yamila Castro has chipped in two goals, too.

"We're all jelling together and connecting on the field, and it's really showing," midfielder Heri Mumma said. "We're understanding each other and how each other plays.

"We've always been a family off the field," the captain added, "but now it's finally showing on the field, too."

Strahan, who scored twice against Redan, was proudest of her goal against River Ridge. She scored mid way through the first half on an assist from Valaria Rossi.

"That showed our team effort," Strahan said. "(The play) started from the back and worked its way up to me, so everybody had a part in it, which definitely made it rewarding."

Another key has been Dunwoody's midfield, which includes Mumma and Ann Gardner. May commended the unit for its solid play in the team's 4-4-2 scheme.

"We have a very strong defensive line and out midfield has been clicking very well," the coach said. "(The midfield) has been a coach's dream. Once it gets going, it's been pretty fluid."

Emma Orlin, a fullback, agreed defense has been vital.

"All six of us on defense are extremely strong. There's no drop-off (in skill) at all," she said. "Hopefully, we can keep up our defense for the rest of the season, too."

And when the midfield hasn't stopped opponents keeper Megan Grove has. She's caught Mays eye with many key stops, including one on a break-away by River Ridge late in the first half.

"She's been steady," May said, "and I'd rather have a steady goal keeper than a flashy one."