Schuyler women's soccer takes next step after seven-win season

Schuyler women's soccer made great strides last season after a 7-8 season. They advanced to the finals for the first time in eight years as runners-up in the Central Conference Tournament, and took second place in the sub-district tournament.

After missing out on a spot in the regional finals, the Warriors hope to build on last year's success.

“For the most part, we have a lot of returners, so we're in a pretty good situation,” Eroge said. “We had great weather, so we got out and did everything we needed to do. I think we're ready.”

Schuyler lost four games last season by one or two goals. Eroge said he was confident the team could win even in close games.

“We're a small group so we tend to avoid first-touch situations. If we just act aggressive, get first touches, hold onto the ball and get physical with people, we're very I think it will be helpful,” Eroge said. “We have to make shots. Last year we had a number of shots on goal, but they either kicked the goalie or hit the goal and didn't fall.”

Schuyler returns most of its production. Juniors Gabby Rodriguez, Aylin Angel and Aliza Arroyo all combined for 21 goals and return for Schuyler.

Rodriguez led this trio with 12 goals. Angel and Arroyo scored five and four goals, respectively.

“I know Gabby (Rodriguez) and Ariza (Arroyo) have been working on some things in the offseason. They're just overall more athletic,” Eroge said. “Last year we had a lot of chances, so we just worked on finishing our shots, but in the end we didn't finish them. We worked hard in the corners and kept it low.

Irene (Angel) is trying to get back up to speed after taking almost a year off. She still had all the ball skills and all. We also have Maribel Gonzalez, so we are confident in the left-sided position between those two.”

Schuyler's biggest concern was on defense, losing three of the team's starters and three of its four goalies.

Last season, Judith Mays emerged as Schuyler's No. 1 netminder, making 48 saves and allowing just seven goals in nine games.

According to Eroge, Natalie Fuentes is scheduled to start in the opening game. She made four saves and allowed one goal in a 3-1 win against Lincoln Northwest last year.

“She (Fuentes) has been playing and was a goalie on her club team. She's stepping up a little bit more. She's kind of in between the three goalies,” Eroge said. “Right now, it's pretty difficult because on any given day they're pretty even. It's going to be interesting to see who stands out among them, especially once the games start.”

Eroge will have senior Natalie Espiritu and sophomore Juana Karachi tandem as center backs, while senior Andrea Askunaga and sophomores Diana Ramon or Miriam Dianda will fill the dual roles of outside backs. I believe.

“As long as they keep a positive mindset and are aggressive, I think they'll be fine defensively,” Eroge said. “The other groups have basically been playing each other for a few years already, so they're just adapting to the style of play.”

Schuyler opens the season at Aurora and heads to Kearney on Saturday for a tournament featuring Class A Papillion-La Vista South, Grand Island and the Bearcats.

“Obviously (the goal is) a better record than last year,” Eroge said. “Hopefully we can make it to the semistate game and get back to the conference tournament finals. Grand Island Northwest is going to be tough no matter what, but it would be great to get there and play against them.” Let’s go.”