Even with their success in the St. Cloud Cathedral Jamboree August 16, the BSM girls’ soccer team still strives to improve how they play as a team on the field. “Our main goal, right now, is connecting as a team,” said one of the three captains, junior Maddie Jobe.

The team traveled to St. Cloud, where they defeated St. Cloud Cathedral and St. Cloud Tech, and tied Rochester Lourdes. “I was pleased with how the defense and midfield played together and controlled the game,” said head coach Scott Helling-Christy. Along with areas of strength, the scrimmages also highlighted areas that need improvement, mainly the team’s offense. “We need to work on developing more scoring opportunities,” said Helling-Christy.

After losing several of the team’s leading scorers, this assessment is not entirely unexpected. Along with losing strong senior players from the previous year, the team also lost the leading scorer from the past season, sophomore Jordyn Burns, due to an ankle injury. “She broke her ankle playing hockey this summer,” said Helling-Christy.

Her absence compels the team to look for other players to have a strong force on the field. ” Someone will have to step up,” said Helling-Christy. With their experience, athleticism and talent, two of the team’s captains, juniors Maddie Jobe and Laura Kosch, who have played for varsity team since freshman year, will likely lead the girls to success.

Besides participating in scrimmages to strengthen their teamwork, the girls also completed a challenge course in St. Cloud. Made up of individual as well as group challenges, the course included a zip-line and several trust-building activities.

Right now, the girls try to simply play as a team, but as the season progresses, they hope to become more and more competitive. “The season-long goal is to try to come together as a strong team before sectional playoffs,” said Helling-Christy.