Last year Mariah Haberle, a junior forward with exceptional ball skills, would sit in the stands at Armstrong soccer games, watching former teammates play the game she loved.

Haberle was one of many Minnesota prep players who were unable to play for their high school teams last year. Requirements of the Minnesota Thunder Academy meant they had to sit out the high school season if they wanted to play in its Elite Clubs National League (ECNL).

“It broke my heart,” Haberle said. “I wanted to be out there with them. Some of my best friends on the team would look up into the stands and mouth words like, ‘We miss you,’ to me.”

Changes to the ECNL schedule have allowed many players, including Haberle, to return to their high school teams this fall.

Haberle talked to staff writer Jim Paulsen about her joyous return to high school soccer and Armstrong’s 9-0-3 dream season to date.

 

Q: How did you react when you found out you would be able to play high school soccer this fall?

A: It was the greatest news ever. We heard about it about a month before the high school season, and I wanted to go out and start right then.

 

Q: What has been the best part of returning to the high school game?

A: The positivity and the team chemistry we have. Seeing freshmen in the hallways that I didn’t know and saying, “Hey, what’s up?” Meeting up with other upperclassmen. It’s such a cool thing.

 

Q: Did it take you long to get back into the flow with your high school team?

A: Not very long at all. We clicked right away, especially me and Holly Enderle, who’s another forward. We clicked in my freshman year, and we picked up right where we left off. We know where each other is going to be every time.

 

Q: Did you see this success coming?

A: No. During tryouts I remember thinking we only had seven, eight, nine players with experience. I thought we needed more, but our coaches and captains have done such a great job bringing everyone along. Anyone on this team can come off the bench and play for anyone else.

 

Q: Did anyone else?

A: Our coach [Chris Adams] did. He said right when we were done with tryouts that this team could be special. I can feel it and see it. Now we just have to work for it.

 

Q: Has there been a watershed game for this team?

A: Against Maple Grove, our team came out so amped and excited to play such a high-level team. There was no nervousness. We played hard the entire first half, didn’t give up any opportunities. I was lucky enough to score a goal just before halftime. We did the same thing in the second half and we won. It was the most excited I’ve been during a soccer game. It was just a different feeling.

 

Q: What’s been you’re most memorable goal?

A: We were tied 0-0 with Osseo. It was a free admission game, so there were a lot of people cheering. With about 15, 20 minutes left, we got a free kick and my coach told me to take it. It was loud and then all of a sudden, it got silent. It sailed right over the goalie’s hand, hit the bottom of the goal post and rolled down the back of the net. I got a rush like I’ve never felt before.

 

Q: Did you visualize that shot happening?

A: No. I usually don’t think, I just kick it. I can tell after I hit it if it’s going in. On that one, I was like, “Yep.”

 

Q: What is something you must do before every game?

A: I always have the same person braid my hair. This year, Maggie Spellman did it before our first game and we won, so I said, “Maggie, this is what you have to do all season.”

JIM PAULSEN