Last year, the Centennial girls soccer team ended their season 6-2-3, taking home fourth in the county. However, even with a personal best record since past years, they suffered a huge upset in the region finals against Wilde Lake. As they step into the 2025 season, both the team and their community hope to exceed expectations and claim titles within the county and beyond.
Preseason results have given the Lady Eagles plenty of confidence, showcasing the team’s focus on their offensive game. Their preseason tournament ended with two outstanding shutout wins against Arundel and Dulaney with dominant scores of 6-0 and 5-0. Senior captain Kaitlyn McManus noted, “Compared to previous years [the success] has shown we are gelling together and becoming a better team.” Fellow captain Elizabeth Brown echoed this optimism, pointing out the team’s preparation, saying, “Our group of girls have worked really hard during preseason and it’s shown in our games.”
This year also brings a different dynamic from past seasons. Brown explained, “We are playing a different formation this year, along with some people playing new positions.” McManus added that leadership has expanded beyond the upperclassmen: “This year I feel like we have more leadership from some of our younger players. Doing Lead ’Em Up, our leadership program, has created solid team chemistry.” New formations, positions, players, and leadership are huge changes for any team, but these Eagles are sure to use it to their advantage as they continue to grow together.
Likewise, coach Chris Taylor has also noticed their growth. From last year to this year he explains how the team has grown closer, making adjustments through lessons learned from the previous year. Added on he says, “This year the team has recalibrated to become even more focused on what they want to achieve.”
Looking forward, the team’s goals are clear. McManus hopes to lead by example, ensuring that, “everyone contributes in their own way either on or off the field.” Brown wants to be a source of encouragement, saying, “My goal is to always be a positive person for the team and help build others up.” As we know, when you have a team that exemplifies team chemistry, they’re unstoppable.
Contributing to this, Coach Taylor emphasizes the team’s collective motto: We must… “We must work hard in order to play hard. We must go further than last year and We must enjoy the journey together.” And, “We must be Green,” a line that stems from the leadership program, meaning they are lifting teammates up, keeping a positive attitude, and working hard all the time.
With strong leadership, renewed chemistry, and unfinished business from last year’s heartbreaking loss, the Lady Eagles are stepping onto the field determined. Whether in preseason scrimmages or under the bright lights this fall, their eyes are firmly set on going further than ever before.
