By Brennen McWright, Staff Writer

This summer, the United States women’s soccer team beat Netherlands 2-0 to win the 2019 World Cup. The Lady Blue Devils seem to be following in their winning ways.

Led by captains Ella Nicholson and Lexie Burdick, the team captured the Region 3 title with a 6-1-1 record for the season. They went on to win their first playoff game against Maplewood 4-0 on Oct. 22. Head coach Geoff Bristow confirms that there are 21 players on the roster. 

The ladies’ play has proven that numbers aren’t the only factor in their success. “We’ve been working on short five to ten-yard passes,” Bristow said. This allows them to pass around the opposition’s defense. However, games are never easy. “They all were tough,” said freshman Maggie Braymer, a midfielder for the Blue Devils. “We haven’t had an easy game.”

 According to Bristow, these games bring the ladies closer together: “The most important part is the relationships people build and the experience people have in the program.” With their skills combined, the athletes of the Blue Devils soccer team have a shot at winning districts and states. They will face Iroquois in a semifinal match on Monday at a time and location to be announced.