Head coach Jacklyn Button (left) has Opelika girls soccer picking up area wins.
BY DANIEL LOCKE
FOR THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA —
The Opelika High School girls soccer team started its season in early February, and it’s been an up-and-down year so far. The Bulldogs have put together a 5-4 record, but Bulldogs head coach Jacklyn Button said she has seen good progress from the team so far.
“I think our team’s performance has progressed a lot since the first few games,” Button said.“We have learned how to work better together and what formations and positions work best to bring out our strengths.”
According to Button, the Bulldogs have seen some players really step up so far this season. She mentioned some who have been particularly integral to the team’s growth to this point.
“Some younger players have really stepped up this year and been an asset,” Button said. “Maelee Story, an eighth grader, has played numerous different positions, and has made an impact on bothdefense and offense, scoring some key goals to win our game against Russell County. Amiya Brown has played both offense and defense as well, she has held it down with her leadership on our back line.
“Bailey Ward is a freshman who has played lots of minutes as a wing defender, and has shown a lot of promise. Bailey along with Karla Guerra, senior, who is our other outside defender has found great ways to combo with midfielders and make an impact. Karly Phatsadavong, freshman, has controlled our midfield and made some great assists.”
Despite the quality in the squad, unfortunate circumstnces have been all too common for the Bulldogs so far this season. Injuries and
fatigue have seemed to hover over the team since the season began.
“The biggest challenge for our team thus far has been injuries,” Button said. “Two starters from last year are out with torn ACLs, and two more key players have sustained knee injuries from the first few games. Finding depth within our small roster has been tough, and has pushed a lot of
players to play a lot of minutes, if not a full game.”
Opelika plays in a tough 7A area, and an important aspect of staying competitive within it will be onstantly looking for opportunities to improve. According to Button, she would like to see her team keep improving, particularly when in possession of the ball.
“Now that we have some games under our belt, I would like to see more improvement in player possession and fluidity,” Button said. “Our players have learned how to communicate and read one another on the field, and I think if we can learn to flow seamlessly through positions and formations it would be beneficial for us over, and allow us to be a much more dynamic team that is tough to defend.”
With more area games on the horizon, Opelika will continue to push for edge over the competition, Button said.
“We’re looking forward to staying competitive in area play,” Button said. “After beating Smiths Station and Central we hope to continue to trend upwards as we progress towards the end of the season.”
The Bulldogs will be back in action on the road against Saint James School on March 30.
