Skyline girls soccer ready for another run | Girls soccer preview

The numbers speak for themselves.

By Kevin Endejan • August 31, 2011 5:01 pm

The numbers speak for themselves.

Over the last three seasons, the Skyline girls soccer program earned 47 wins, with just seven losses and two ties.

The Spartans won 4A state titles in 2008 and 2009 and placed third in 2010 after amassing a No. 1 national ranking and an impressive 19-1 record. Their only loss came in the state semifinals.

With 11 varsity players back, one would think they are poised for another run in 2011.And that might be true, but eighth-year head coach Don Braman doesn’t want anyone looking too far ahead.

“The way I’m approaching it, is this team has to prove itself all over again,” he said, noting each new season presents challenges. “The memories are great, but that’s all they are is memories.”

Skyline returns several of its key components from last season, including goalkeeper Tina Vargas. The University of Denver-bound senior recorded 14 shutouts last season and has solidified herself as one of the top keepers in the state.

“She’s always trying to be the best on the field,” Braman said. “She gets annoyed at herself when she doesn’t make every save in practice, even though it’s humanly impossible.”

The Spartans also bring back senior midfielder Maddie Christ (7 goals, 15 assists), junior forward Rachel Shim (7 goals, 3 assists), senior midfielder Nicole Candioglos (6 goals, 1 assist) and senior forward Jackie Wilson (5 goals, 3 assists).

Other varsity returners include senior midfielder Alexa Strom, senior midfielder Sydne Tingey, junior forward Anna Deweirdt, sophomore midfielder Brooke Holland and sophomore midfielder Brooke Bofto.

Speedy senior Dom Randle, one of the top defenders in KingCo, suffered an ACL injury and will miss her final season. She is still one of five team captains and will be on the sideline to root on the Spartans throughout the season.

With a tough KingCo 4A schedule ahead, Braman knows there are no guarantees to return to the state tournament. But if the Spartans follow the same formula they have the last few years, it certainly wouldn’t be a surprise.

“I think as a coach it’s great when you have talent, and we’ve certainly had talent over these last few years,” he said. “The thing that I really feel has set the program apart is that the girls come with such a great attitude about learning and working hard and being committed to being the best every day.”