Font ResizeBRATTLEBORO -- As Edwin de Brujin watched his team from the sideline during a girls varsity soccer scrimmage Thursday against Twin Valley, it was obvious, by observing his style and the way he encourages his players, that he was born to coach the sport.
"We want to play attractive soccer," he said, after the preseason contest. "Right now, we’re trying to play a passing game. Short, accurate passes can put the pressure on your opponent as you close in on them. The passing game is a beautiful game."
Until then, at practice de Brujin said the team will be sticking with what has worked in their preseason matchups to prepare for their first game of the regular season at home against Stevens High on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
While Brattleboro showed some fancy feet Thursday versus the Wildcats, de Brujin said what he is really relying on this year, is pure skill.
"Our plan is to play on the attack as much as possible," said de Brujin. "This team can do that since the players work so well together. Hannah Lynde (offense) can shoot on both the left and right sides. Some players have that gift. She and Halie Lange (midfield) keep the field wide, stretching the opponent’s offense."
Working with Lange at midfield is Maddie Rollins, Rebecca Porter, Taylor Bird, Kara Piergentili, Truuske Bailey-de Brujin, and Abbie Lesure.
But coach de Brujin said most of the players in these positions are flexible in terms of where they
This year Brattleboro will look to goalies Tori Svec and Marissa Smith to tend the Colonel net.
Brattleboro roster: Coach -- Edwin de Brujin. Seniors --Rebecca Porter, Halie Lange, Kara Piergentili, Linnea Jahn, Truuske Bailey-de Brujin, Marissa Smith, Maddie Rollins, Sarah Kendrick, Greta Pellerin, Bailey Paige, Biak Chia Tial. Juniors -- Katelyn Donovan, Hannah Lynde, Libby Annis, Molly Gurney. Sophomores -- Taylor Bird, Tori Svec, Dani Looman, Anna Gagnon-Burch, Abbie Lesure.
David Aquino can be reached at daquino@reformer.com, or by calling 802-254-2311, ext. 164.
