This year's North Shore AAA senior girls soccer league is expected to be very competitive, perhaps the most competitive in recent memory, according to Darren Rath, head coach of the Argyle Pipers.
"I don't think anything's going to be easy," said Rath on Thursday, a day after an overtime loss to the West Vancouver Highlanders. "At the end of the day, it's definitely not going to be one team that is going to run away with everything, it's going to be very competitive, probably the most competitive league in the last number of years."
Despite opening the season with a 3-2 overtime defeat to the Highlanders on Wednesday, the Pipers are hoping to ultimately secure another provincial championship following the B.C. title they won last season when they hosted the tournament. As they go for a repeat they will be relying on the veterans on the team to lead the way.
"They're a good group of girls, they're willing to work hard and learn. They want to do the best that they can," said Rath of the team. "We'll be expecting a lot from our returning grade 12s who have been in the program for a number of years.. .. They're taking in the new
young and inexperienced players and helping them out, that's very positive to see. There's a very good environment and people are excited to play."
Having been in the soccer program since Grade 8 and winning two championships with the Pipers, forward Mikayla Kautzky is expected to be a "key leader," according to Rath.
The coach also praised two-time provincial championship winner Kaitlin Taylor for her command on the field.
Other leading lights include the school's Golden Boot 2013 winner Sophie Swant, midfielders Katie Bishop and Bridget Trerise as well as Mackay sisters Teagan and Kiana.
Goalkeeper Megan Palmer takes over after two years in the apprentice's role behind 2013 grad Austin Studer, the MVP of last year's provincial championships.
"It's their turn to make a mark in the program," said Rath of this year's leaders. "They've had strong years. .. I know they're going to be very good players for us."
Rath, who also serves as the secondary school's sports director and additionally coaches Capilano University's women's soccer team, has led the Pipers to three
championship wins since he started coaching at Argyle back in 2001.
He's also coached with the North Shore Selects, North Shore Development Centre and several provincial youth teams, including the 2004 national championshipwinning under-16 boys' squad, and used to play for Capilano University, winning a national title in 1996.
On the team's prospects in this year's league, Rath was hesitant to predict anything definite.
"The season is very raw at the moment, so we'll see how things go. I look forward to improvements.. .. As long as we continue to improve and drive forward, we'll do well."
In other early action, West Van topped Handsworth 1-0 in the season opener on Monday. The Highlanders sit in first place with five points. Sentinel also took care of Handsworth, scoring a 4-1 win over the Royals on Wednesday.
Action continues this week with Argyle taking on Sentinel Monday at Ambleside D starting at 3:30 p.m. The Spartans will be back in action on Wednesday as they face West Van at Ambleside E starting at 3:30 p.m.
