New Eastside Catholic girls soccer head coach Scott Brayton has high hopes for his team as they enter the 2009 season.

“(The) top of the Metro League, and in the playoffs would be a good season,” he said.

The Crusaders finished 5-8-2 last year in a difficult Metro League. The team loses two key components in Molly Lavin (Azusa Pacific University) and Carly Schilperoort (Whitworth University).

A solid group of defensive returners and a young talented goalkeeper, however, should keep Eastside Catholic in the mix.

“We are young everywhere, but defense,” Brayton said.

All-Metro second-team senior defender Lindsey Fraces and second-team all-league junior defender Shannon Fracas will anchor the back line.

Senior midfielder Melissa Tsitsis returns as a four-year starter, along with junior midfielder Emily Franceschina and sophomore forward Malia Bachesta.

Freshman goalkeeper Lauren Thomas is expected to make an immediate impact in front of the net, while fellow freshmen forward Kristin Standish and midfielder Kelly Crowe should also see significant time on the field.

The Metro League produces top teams every season, and is expected to be a difficult task again in 2009.

“(It’s) always tough, so we need to wait and see to comment on that,” said Brayton, when asked how the Metro stacks up this season.

Seattle Prep finished second in the state last year, behind 3A champion Everett. Lakeside has also consistently made the state tournament over the last few years.

Eastside Catholic begins the 2009 campaign at 4 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 10 at Nathan Hale.