Junior forward Martina Bueno’s goal was not enough for Mingus Union High School’s girls soccer team as it fell in its first regular season match at Arcadia High School.
Led by head coach Thomas “Buddy” Rhodes and his six seniors, “Buddyball” will return home Thursday, Dec. 11, in the Marauders’ opener at Bright Field against Prescott High School at 5 p.m.
Defenders Dani Glick, Melissa Meyers and Isis Meyjes join midfielders Fanny Cobarubias, Stephanie Garcia and Kelby Gillies as Marauders leaders who will attempt to meet or surpass last season’s state semifinal loss to Fountain Hills High School.
That team, though, had senior Haylie Backus in the middle of the field.
“If we’re having difficulty right now, it’s in the center of our field,” Rhodes said. “Haylie was a tremendous loss in the middle.”
Less of a concern is at goalkeeper, where sophomore Phoebe Chilton is barely a step behind returning starter, junior Kylie Hudson, Rhodes said.
“They are neck-and-neck,” Rhodes said. “It’s a bad problem to have.”
For the full story, schedule and photos, please see the Wednesday, Dec. 10, issue of the Cottonwood Journal Extra.
