New coach? No problem. Top scorer graduated? No worries.
Nothing, it seems, can slow the juggernaut that is the Centennial girls’ soccer program. Well, almost nothing. Maple Grove did beat the Cougars 2-1 last week, snapping Centennial’s 18-game winning streak.
One loss? Not a big deal for the Cougars (12-1-0), who are ranked No. 2 in the Class 3A coaches' poll released Sept. 26. They have recorded eight shutouts and feature a replacement for last season’s go-to scorer Khyah Harper in senior Lauren Ahles (10 goals in seven games).
First-year coach Christa Carlson has created an all-for-one mentality and empowered her nine senior starters to handle much of the leadership responsibilities. Those seniors bring the experience of winning a section championship last season.
Rogers has won its last three games by a combined score of 14-0 and appears to be peaking with the start of the playoffs about a week away. Freshman Lauren Carroll leads the No. 7-3A Royals (10-2-1) with 15 goals.