Of all the high school teams in Oregon this fall, none has a more difficult encore than Jesuit girls soccer.
The Crusaders put together one of the all-time dominant seasons on their way to the Class 6A title in 2017. They went 19-0, outscored their opponents 86-2 and had three players recognized as all-Americans.
So how can Jesuit top that?
“New team, new goals,” said coach Steve Fennah, who also guided the Crusaders to titles in 2010 and 2015. “What we’re challenging the kids to do is write their own story. Last year’s story is over and done with, and it was obviously a great story, but it’s time for this group to do their own thing.”
The Crusaders will be looking for new leaders to emerge now that forward Emma Treasure (team-high 28 goals), defender Sydney Collins and midfielder Sophia Braun have moved on to college careers, the first two at California and the latter at Gonzaga.
“We lost eight seniors, but it still means we have 10 players with varsity experience,” Fennah said.
The front line features junior Callan Harrington -- who scored 24 goals last season, including two in the state final -- and two promising freshmen in Taylor Krueger and Naomi Alvarez.
The team gets a bonus with the return of senior midfielder Katie Duong, who missed last season to train with Crossfire Premier Academy in Seattle. The midfield also features two returning starters in sophomore Maddie Koleno and junior Jaiden McClellan.
“Attacking-wise, we should be pretty strong right away,” Fennah said. “Defensively, it’s going to take a little bit more time to get organized.”
The Crusaders lost three of four starters from their back line, but are in good shape at goalkeeper with two returning players in junior Mary Votava and sophomore Olivia Juarez, who are likely to share time early in the season, according to Fennah.
Despite the roster turnover, expectations remain high for Jesuit. The Crusaders were voted No. 1 in the OSAAtoday Class 6A preseason coaches poll, receiving 10 of 11 first-place votes. The other first-place vote went to Metro League rival Sunset, which Jesuit defeated 4-0 in last year’s state final.
The Crusaders, who have won 12 state titles since 1994, will continue to be circled on their opponents’ schedules.
“I don’t think it’s ever been any different since 1993 when the girls program started at Jesuit,” Fennah said. “After that first year, there’s never been any surprises. We know that we have to be very good because the team that we’re going to play against will be very good on the night, as well.”
The pressure to live up to their high standard drives the Crusaders.
“Absolutely no question. The kids feel it,” Fennah said. “And that’s a big part of being successful, how they handle that pressure. The kids know the tradition. The student body expects success. It certainly is a factor in performance.”
