Fallston?s first-year girls? soccer coach Alyson Cammann knew she was going to have a talented team this season, returning 10 starters from a group that went 10-5-1 last year.
But the Cougars have smashed all expectations by racing out to record of 16-0-1, and are just three victories away from the school?s third state title.
“I knew we were going to do well this year with the personality of our team going into this season,” Cammann said. “But the heart of the girls and motivation to succeed is incredible.”
The next hurdle for No. 2 Fallston is hosting No. 8 Wilde Lake (13-3) in the 3A East Region final tonight at 7.
Fallston is led by junior forward Monica Fischer who helped secure the team?s first Upper Chesapeake Bay Athletic Conference title by scoring 25 goals and adding nine assists. Fischer?s tally with 3:30 left against North East on Thursday proved to be the difference in a 1-0 victory.
“A lot of teams key in on her because they know she is such a threat up top, but even when a team is marking her and double teaming her, she gets the job done by getting other players involved,” Cammann said. “She can create just as well as finish.”
But Cammann is just as quick to credit the team?s stingy defense, which has allowed just 11 goals in 17 games, as a major reason for the team?s success. The Cougars back line is led by junior defender Vicky Gustitis, who will coordinate a unit to contain a Wildecats? attack that has scored 53 goals this season.
“To have such a key role player up front and in the back,” Cammann said, “really evens things out.”
