Sports
English Girls Soccer Has Short Preseason Before Opener
The Blue and Blue faceoff against Madison Park this afternoon at 3:30 p.m.
Most teams ease their way into the season with several weeks of practice and a couple of exhibition games.
Not so for the girls soccer team, which had its first practice Thursday. First-year head coach Anne Marie De Barros, who spoke Friday, said her team planned to train throughout the weekend to prepare for the Blue and Blue’s first game against Madison Park today.
“I’m in the process of meeting all of them,” said De Barros. “So far, my sense is they have not played a lot of soccer before. They’re not at the level that I’m used to having.”
Further complicating matters is the fact that some players missed the opportunity for a physical exam at the end of last school year. Without one, they are ineligible to play. De Barros, who was on maternity leave during that time and unable to supervise, is currently making sure the players get a physical through the school’s nurse.
The game versus Madison Park will be an arduous start to the season as the Cardinals are an annual powerhouse. In the short amount of time before the match, De Barros planned to stress defensive strategy and spend time with the goal keeper in hopes of being able to “leave the field with honor.”
“It’s very difficult, especially when you don’t know your players, when they don’t show up for practice, but just for the game,” De Barros said about the limited preparation time. “I want everyone to show up. I have to do the best I can.”
The coach added, “I wish we didn’t have to play this particular team. It can be demoralizing if we get blown out.”
De Barros, who previously coached at Burke High School where they had a top-echelon program and won several city championships, wants to change the Blue and Blue mindset into a winning mentality.
She’ll need help in doing that and plans to select captains after their first match. That way, De Barros will be able to pick the leaders who are skillful, discipline, team builders, and role models.
The Blue and Blue kickoff their season today on the road at 3:30 p.m.