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Seniors coming back for Cougar soccer season

JANESVILLE — A strong senior class will be the key to success for the Janesville Craig High girls soccer team this season.

The Cougars, 7-12-1 a year ago, return seven senior starters. Heading the list are defender Megan Lindgren and forward Nicole Gutzman—who will both play next year at UW-Eau Claire.

Coach Bill McCabe is excited to get the season underway, and with eight games in the next 10 days, conditioning will be important.

“We’ve had a pretty long preseason, so it has given us a chance to work on a lot of things,” McCabe said. “Not everyone was game fit when we started practice, but we’re getting there.

“It’s a nice nucleus we’ve got coming back, and a (senior) group that has been playing together for a long time.”

Lindgren leads an experienced defense. She earned second-team all-conference honors a year ago, and will is one of three captains on the team.

“Megan’s a very good player,” McCabe said. “She’s a physical player, and is very solid when it comes to getting after a (free) ball in the air.”

The other three starters returning on defense are senior captains Gretchen Westphal and Emily Sanchez, along with Anna Cullen.

“I used to be an offensive-minded coach,” said McCabe, now in his third year. “But now, I’m really emphasizing playing defense first.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re a forward or midfielder, everyone on this team is going to play defense.”

Sophomore Olivia McNulty will start in goal for the Cougars. McCabe said McNulty is very athletic, but is going have to adjust to playing at the varsity level.

Guzman will lead the offensive attack, but McCabe said she’s capable of playing anywhere on the field.

“Nicole is a very versatile player,” McCabe said. “She has been on varsity for four years now, and really worked hard on her game in the off season. She’s an excellent all-around player.”

Joining Gutzman up front will be forwards Emma Fashing and Emillie Dillner, along with junior midfielder Kelsey Kennedy.

“As long as we have one, I wouldn’t mind if every game was 1-0,” McCabe said. “I want it to start with our defense and build from there.

“The chemistry and senior leadership on the team is great. We’re ready to get started.”

Craig’s schedule, with all home games at the high school.

(7 p.m. unless indicated)

APRIL: 16—Sun Prairie; 17—At Fond du Lac; 21—Beloit Memorial; 24—Craig Invitational, 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.; 25—Craig Invitational, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.; 27—Waunakee; 30—Madison Memorial.

MAY: At Middleton; 7—Janesville Parker; 14—At Madison East; 19—Madison West; 21—At Verona, 5 p.m.; 22—At Wauwatosa East, 5:30.