First-year coach leads A-J/Cobden girls' soccer

First-year Anna-Jonesboro/Cobden high school co-op girls’ soccer team coach Trish Burkhardt-Cripps has a goal of improving on last season, when the team posted only a single win.

“Basically, it will be a rebuilding year,” Burkhardt-Cripps said. “We’ll take it one day at a time.”

Four seniors are on the team: goalie Kristen Brimm, center/midfield Maddie Johnston, right midfield Carla Guerrero, left wing Jenna Gomez and Taylor Archey, a player who is injured and is serving as the team’s manager.

Juniors in the mix are left midfield Morgan Keller, right defense Ashley Hoekstra, right midfield Jenna Watkins and left defense Molly Adams.

Sophomores who could also see playing time are  left defense Bailey Bible, right field Celi Martinez, center/defense Evan Keller, left wing Karina Flores, center defense Kayrnna Carter, center/forward Kiersten Wright, right wing Kyleigh Matuszewich and left defense Rayline Frankell.

A freshman who could see action is left wing Karina Griffin.

The A-J/Cobden squad opens its season Thursday, today, at home gainst Carterville. The home field again will be behind Jonesboro School.

“I’m proud of them,” Burkhardt-Cripps said. “We’re going to have a good season.”