Success and the Eastlake girls soccer program are synonymous.
Since the school opened in 1993, the Wolves have advanced to 10 state tournaments, and won two 4A state championships.
So, it’s no surprise to hear the team is targeting another trip to the state tournament in 2009.
“That’s where the lowest of the bars will be set,” said Chuck Krieble, who is entering his fifth year as head coach.
Krieble guided Eastlake to state the last four seasons, including the program’s second state championship in 2007. Eastlake finished 15-3 in 2008, losing a tough opening-round state contest, 1-0, to Bellarmine Prep.
The Wolves return a large core of last season’s veteran team, and also gain some experienced players. ESPN RISE currently has Eastlake ranked as the No. 2 team in the nation in its preseason rankings.
Since the polls came out, the team has taken a couple of significant hits, including the loss of 2008 Associated Press Player of the Year, Emily Hurd. The Penn State recruit had 19 goals and 12 assists as a junior, but opted not to play high school soccer her senior season.
“She’s going to pursue other career opportunities,” Krieble said.
Kory Spotts, a University of North Carolina-Greensboro recruit, will also be absent from the team her senior season after her family moved from the area.
Eastlake returns other Division I talent in senior midfielder Lindsay Elston and senior midfielder Allie Beahan — both University of Washington verbal commits. Senior defender Courtney Pixler, a University of Alabama verbal commit, will anchor the back line.
“She’s the Rock of Gibraltar back there,” Krieble said.
Eastlake also gains another Division I prospect in senior forward Candice Osei-Agyemang, who focused her efforts on club soccer the last few seasons. Osei-Agyemang has played for the U-17 Ghana Women’s National Team in the 2008 New Zealand FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Joining Osei-Agyemang at the forward positions are junior Jaclyn Softli and senior Jenny Bruner.
In addition to Beahan and Elston, the Eastlake midfield is also deep. Juniors Kelly Morro, Abby Frenkel, Ann Heine and Lexi Fitzmaurice, along with senior Michelle Frazier anchor the group.
“We have a lot of combinations we can play up front,” Krieble said.
Joining Pixler on defense, will be seniors Savannah Gunning and Kellie Shreve, along with juniors Jamie Marzano and Lexi Guches.
Junior goalkeeper Kate Zopolos and sophomore Bryce Kennedy are competing for the starting goalkeeper position.
“We don’t know how things are going to shake out just yet,” Krieble said.
Eastlake opens its season at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 8 at home against non-league Juanita. The Wolves then hit the road for a pair of non-league games before traveling to the Tualatin Showcase, Sept. 18-19 in Tualatin, Ore. The KingCo season begins at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 22 at home against Newport.
