By Chris Parker
Central girls soccer has a new head coach in Nathan Cardoza this season. Cardoza also serves as the boys coach in the fall. He previously served as an assistant at Glendale, Republic and Catholic.
The Lady Bulldogs return eight starters and 12 lettermen, but will still be a young team this season.
“We will be young this year, but I believe that these girls have a lot of heart,” Cardoza said. “The girls want to find success this year and have the work ethic to be able to make it happen.”
Juniors Cate Casanova (center attacking mid/outside mid) and Laramie Hill (defending center mid) along with sophomore Addie Green (goalkeeper) will be team leaders.
Cardoza on Casanova: “Cate brings a spark to our team when it comes to our attacking capabilities. She has a lot of experience and understands the game well. She is not afraid to take shots and works hard for team.”
Cardoza on Hill: “Laramie has been a key part of Central’s defense. She knows when to step or hold and has the respect of her fellow teammates.”
Cardoza on Green: “Addie may be new to soccer, but she makes up for it with her athletic abilities. She is a hard worker and even has a sophomore, sets the example for a lot of the girls with her commitment and work ethic.”
Adriana Donjuan (junior) and Cali Mills-Hosmer (sophomore) will join Casanova at forward. Mills-Hosmer will also see time in the midfield with Hill, Nautika Ramirez-Hannah (junior) and Madeleine Bauer (sophomore).
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The defense will be comprised of Amelia Billionis (senior), Jasmine Green (sophomore), Bree Turner (sophomore) and Natalie Eastin (junior).
Cardoza will look for his team’s soccer IQ to improve throughout the season.
“Our soccer IQ as a team is not the best,” Cardoza said. “We have several who have never played or only play high school soccer, so our experience is limited. Knowing what to do when we are under pressure or how to manage a game is going to be a learning curve for us.”
He will look for his team to combat some inexperience with grit.
“(We want to have a) never-give-up attitude on and off the pitch,” Cardoza said. “Even though we have a lot of younger girls playing and we may not have a roster full of seasoned athletes, they all want to win for the team and play for each other. It is a great group of ladies, and they want to be able to compete with other local programs.”
Central opens the season on Mar. 21 at home against Parkview.
