Rick Egan, Salt Lake Tribune
Ravens Knock at the Door
by Braxton Peterson, Special to the Tribune, Salt Lake Tribune
The Waterford girls' soccer team is looking dominant once again. With its 11-2 overall record and its undefeated region record, Waterford entered the 2-A state tournament as the No. 1 seed.
The team plays a semifinal game today against St. Joseph, at 1 p.m. at Juan Diego High.
A big reason for the success of the team is Nicole Taylor. The senior captain is starting for her fourth consecutive year. When the season is over, Taylor will continue her soccer career, at Penn State.
"Nicole is a fabulous player. She has a very hard shot, and all the skills you'd hope for," coach Tim Doblin said.
Taylor plays both the midfield and forward positions. She led not only her team, but all of Class 2-A in scoring. Entering today's semifinal playoff game, she had 24 goals. Her presence alone demands the respect of opposing defenses.
"Teams will double mark her and leave our other players open," Doblin said.
Freshman forward Gina Soto has been the open player a number of times. Soto is second in scoring on the team, with 18 goals.
On the defensive side of the ball, Waterford is young. The Ravens start just one junior and no seniors. The other starting defenders have been a combination of sophomores and freshmen, throughout the year. Despite the inexperience, the defense has given up just three region goals and has recorded seven shutouts.
"They are young but very skilled," Doblin said. "They're playing the best they've played all year."
The team's last three wins were all shutouts.
Junior Katie Pelo and senior Brianna Brazell have shared goalkeeping duties for the Ravens. Pelo is the usual starter, while Brazell has shown a team first attitude by switching from her field position to the net in order to give the team a backup goalie.
"We knew Brianna had talent on the basketball court. We needed another goalie, so we asked her to step in," Doblin said. "And I have been very satisfied."
Waterford won its first playoff game with ease, by scoring 11 goals against Wasatch Academy. And Waterford beat today's opponent, Saint Joseph, by a combined scored of 19-2 in two games this season.
Although Waterford is a clear favorite to win the 2-A championship, it's not clear what classification the school will be play in next year.
Waterford's enrollment does not qualify it to play in Class 3-A. But its competition level in soccer surpasses that of other 2-A schools. The team outscored its region opponents 49-2 this season.
Waterford has made a proposal to have not just soccer, but all its sports, moved into the 3-A classification for next year.
"At some point we have to be reasonable," said Doblin. "This just isn't fun for the teams involved."
Waterford vs. St. Joseph Girls' 2-A Soccer semifinals TODAY AT 1 P.M. At Juan Diego