For the ninth time in school history, five of which now belongs to program head coach, Kelly Townsend, Newsome High School girls soccer team has won it’s Class 5A-District 6 conference title.
The 2-1 win against George Jenkins, was the program’s second district championship success in three years, following the team’s state appearance during the 2009-2011 season and another successful run a years later.
With an 18-0 record entering the regional tournaments, the Wolves (ranked 23rd nationally and fifth in the state) had every reason to feel good about what they had been able to accomplish. The team was very proud to represent their school.
“We are focusing on one game at a time,” Townsend said during practice before the girls put Orlando’s Boon High out of the way with a 7-0 victory in the first round of Regionals.
Townsend was pleased with her team’s overall performance this season, which she says began on a high note and just kept getting better.
“We had a great start, much better than anyone anticipated,” she said, adding that besides talent and skill, this year’s team has demonstrated something she believes is a key to the success of any team sport.
“These girls play for each other and for team achievement,” Townsend said, now in her seventh season coaching the Newsome program. “They are the most unselfish group I have ever coached.”
Of course, there is always room for improvement and the Wolves are not without needing some adjustment, which was evident in a number of close games including the district final against George Jenkins.
At halftime, the Wolves trailed 1-0 as the game was filled with missed opportunities.
Then Newsome got its second wind with Lindsey Eaton taking charge to finally put one in the net, which tied the game at 1-1, followed by Peyton Smith’s game-winning goal a few minutes later to seal the win and the title.
Full of talented players led by team captains Karli Gutsche, and Claire Kartheiser, coupled with the expertise of Coach Townsend and assistant coach, John Evensen, the Wolves bring their fans, both near and far, all the excitement that high school sports can offer.
For more information about the program, please visit www.maxpreps.com. or www.FHSAA.org.
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