By Dan Truttschel
Correspondent
The 2016 girls soccer season ended with just two victories for the East Troy squad – which means there’s really no place to go but up for the Trojans this spring.
And from where third-year head coach Ed Furey sees things, that’s just where East Troy is headed.
The Trojans return 13 letterwinners this year who will form the foundation for what Furey hopes is a vast improvement by the time the dust settles in June.
“We will be an improved team from last year,” Furey said. “More of the players are playing year-round soccer than ever before.”
Furey hopes to see his team on the attack more offensively, but also knows there’s work to be done on the other side of the field – but that will come with time.
“Our attack and midfield should be a strength for us this year,” he said. “We are struggling with a revamped defense that will improve as the players get used to playing the positions and with one another.”
Furey will lean on his four senior captains – Amaya Bisabarros-Hudoc (defender), Kayla Casper (defender), Jessica Gulig (goalie) and Sydney Probst (midfielder) – for leadership throughout the spring.
Those four are joined by another senior returning letterwinner in defender Kaelyn Sperle, and that group will be counted on heavily, Furey said.
“Those seniors are going to show with effort and words how to prepare and play the game,” Furey said. “(Also), we have players from all grades that are competing for starting time. Our seniors have shown leadership both on and off the field.”
Juniors back this year are Lauren Hunter (midfielder), Lauren Russell (midfielder), Joy Salentine (defender) and Anna Stephen (midfielder). They are joined by sophomores Jenna Gulig (defender), Megan Mast (midfielder), Kylie Moker (midfielder) and Annabelle Verbeten (forward).
Seeking their first varsity letter are junior Laura Saaugaard (midfielder) and freshmen Caroline Christiansen (forward), Madison Desing (midfielder) and Sophie Donegan (midfielder).
Furey, who will be assisted by Cheryl Bosko, said he expects top teams in the Rock Valley Conference to include McFarland, Whitewater, Big Foot and Evansville.
As for the Trojans, who are off to a 0-2 start after losses of 1-0 to Westosha Central and 3-0 to Big Foot, Furey is hoping for a top-four finish in the RVC.
To do that, East Troy needs to “stay healthy and (have) continual improvement from all 18 players on the roster,” Furey said.
