When you talk about powerhouse girls soccer programs in Northern Nevada 4A, Carson High is usually at or near the top of everybody's list.
Randy Roser, in his ninth year at the helm at CHS, has won five league titles (2003, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010). The Senators went 12-0-4 (14-2-4 overall) to win the regular-season title last year and made it to the semifinals before being eliminated.
If Carson is going to repeat, much will depend on how quickly some of the youngsters mature. Of its 19-person roster, 14 are underclassmen (3 freshmen, 5 sophomores and 6 juniors).
"Douglas is the power," Roser said. "If she (Lorraine Fitzhugh) can keep them organized they will be tough to beat. Reno is always tough and Galena has a new coach. I have no idea what Damonte Ranch has left. We'll make a run, it's all we can do.
"Right now, we're just trying to get organized. We're trying to rebuild the back line (of the defense). That's what we're starting with."
Missing from that back line are Natalie Stevens, last season's Defensive Player of the Year, and Alli Cowan. Also lost to graduation was Kate Schulz, a midfielder.
Returnee Shannon Flaherty and Alissa Hayes, up from the JV squad, appear to have claimed two of the four starting spots on the back line. Michelle Sandage, who played a lot of defense last year, has been moved to midfield for now, and she will team with Caitlin Holmes at outside midfield.
One position Roser isn't worried about is goalie. Emmy Heller returns, and she is one of the top players in the region. She had the most shutouts and fewest goals allowed in 4A last year, according to Roser. And, if he needed to, Roser could go to Kenzie Tillitt.
"She (Heller) sees the game," Roser said. "She's really good going out and going 1-on-1 with an attacker. We have two of the best three keepers (in 4A)."
Brenda Torres and Josie Daggs will play forward. Both have tremendous speed, and Daggs found the net several times last year. Official individual stats weren't available. Alex Schlager could see action at forward or midfield.
The inside midfield is probably Carson's deepest spot. Roser has Tillitt, Aaran Rumbaugh and Kiahna Pimental. All three made huge contributions last season. Jamie Perez also is expected to see some time in the middle.
Tillitt is quick enough and good enough to play up front, according to Roser.
"She has a lot of speed," Roser said. "She is more of a playmaker than straight-up attacker.
"Rumbaugh is having some ankle problems. If she gets healthy, we may have to change the lineup again."
Carson boys want regional title
The first season of the Eric Masters era in Carson High boys soccer was an unqualified success.
Carson posted a 13-2-3 record and reached the regional semis before being eliminated by North Valleys 2-1.
Masters' top goal is winning regionals.
"We want to win league this year," Masters said. "Last year we were second. Winning zone is a goal. We (the North) are sending two teams to state this year, so you win zone and you're in. Making zone finals gets us there, too.
"For me and a lot of the guys, it's just taking it one game at a time and dealing with the opponent we have in front of us that day."
Masters said he will approach the game a bit differently, and no doubt his players are excited about the change.
"I was too conservative last season," he said. "I always wanted it to be defense first. We're going to do a lot more attacking. Instead of winning 1-0 or 2-0, I want us to win 4-0 or 5-0."
Masters has a few returning offensive weapons, including Jason Martinez, Johny Lopez, and Sam Hutchinson. Martinez had 11 goals last year and Hutchinson scored seven.
"Johny (Lopez) is a key in the middle, and I think defenses will key on him," Masters said. "I expect big things from Jason and Sam. We also have a transfer from South Tahoe (Evan Sanchez) who I think will do well for us."
The defense, which allowed only 14 goals last year should be strong again. Masters returns goalie Marcos Magallon along with Michael Samii and Jon Guevara.
Other returning players are Zach Bruce, Zach Smith, Cruz Kerver, Christian Navarro, Chris Espinoza, Omar Garcia and Christian Hernandez.
First, Masters has to figure out a lineup. He has 14 returning players and several players up from an outstanding JV squad.
"If I had a game today, I don't know if I could tell you who would start," Masters said. "We have a lot of competition out here; a lot of options."
Masters is looking for consistent play, and that will dictate how much playing time is doled out.
As far as how the league is going to play out, Masters expects Galena, North Valleys, Spanish Springs and Reno to be good.
Carson opens the season at home against Reno at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. The game was originally set for 7 p.m., but the new football lights have yet to be installed.
