Coupeville Sports

Junior goalie Julia Myers stops a shot. (John Fisken photo)

They are better than their record.

While a glance at the Cascade Conference standings can tell you that the Coupeville High School girls’ soccer squad is 1-6 overall, 1-5 in league play heading into a road game at King’s tonight, that doesn’t tell the whole story.

The Wolves have shown steady improvement as they adapt to a third coach in as many seasons, and are getting close to a true breakthrough.

They beat Sultan, pushed South Whidbey and Lakewood hard and didn’t embarrass themselves against Archbishop Thomas Murphy, an unbeaten power CHS coach Troy Cowan said “Should be playing in Major League Soccer.”

As Cowan, a veteran select soccer coach who took the job after Dan d’Almeida moved to Vienna to teach, begins to see his players on a regular basis, he has liked what he has seen.

“Julia Myers is making a name for herself as potentially an All-Conference keeper and is playing with an intensity not previously seen,” Cowan said. “She has played great all season, but she took her game to another level!!

“Very proud of her and the entire defense. Without a doubt our defense is our backbone and strongest area of play,” he added.

Jennifer Spark, Jackie Ginnings, Marisa Etzell and the Luvera sisters, Ana and Ivy, have all sparkled in the backfield, and freshman Carlie Rosenkrance made a big impact while pulling full-time duty when Ginnings missed a game with a medical condition.

On offense, the Wolves hit their stride with a three-goal outburst against Sultan. Now they just need to find a consistency to their attack.

“Makana Stone continues to get praise from both teammates and opponents for her outstanding speed and overall great play,” Cowan said. “Makana is a outstanding player; she just has to keep working hard and stay focused and good things are going to happen for her.

“Erin Rosenkranz makes outstanding decisions and leads the girls with an upbeat attitude and always being a positive force,” he added.

Led by Rosenkrance, Coupeville has a strong group of ninth-graders whose growth bodes well for the future.

“Freshman speedsters Mattea Miller and May Rose are both shining stars,” Cowan said. “Mattea and May are young and are still learning the game, but once they start the ball rolling these two fireballs are going to be something special to watch.”