PHS Girls Soccer Season Preview

After an eight win and 12 loss season in 2017, the Raider girls soccer team is optimistic on their prospects for 2018.

Coach Chris Roof has been coaching boys varsity soccer at Portland since 2011, and took over the girls program four years ago. When asked about this year’s squad, Roof said, “Our team will be very young this year with no seniors. Seven juniors, eight sophomores and seven freshmen. We finished with the same record the last two years (8-12) but finished a lot of close games last year. The team was plagued with injuries at the end of last year but (we) bring a deep roster this year. Our outlook is to have double digit wins and win a post season game.”

The team has not won in the post season in the last six years. The Raiders lost four players to graduation. One key loss was four-year starting goalie Jordyn Spitzley, who now plays Division III soccer at Becker College in Boston. Roof said, “She holds the school record for most saves in a game and holds the #2 spot for the MHSAA Girls Soccer record. As for returning talent, Roof says, “We return our top three goal scorers from last year. Two of them who have been the top goal scorers for the last two years.”

Roof also has high expectations for his new comers. He says many of them, “have played soccer for many years and bring with them a lot of experience. I expect many of the younger classmen to fill starting positions on the team.” Roof added, “I am very proud of the program and how far it has come. During my first year coaching we played most of the season with only 10 players. Players and parents had stayed committed to soccer and continue to work hard to make it grow and be an enjoyable sport by many of our young athletes.”

2018 Schedule

Mar. 22 Lakewood HS 5:30PM

Mar. 27 Lansing Eastern 5:30PM

Apr. 10 Pennfield 6:30PM

Apr. 14 @ Charlotte HS 10:00AM

Apr. 16 @ Lansing Sexton 5:30PM

Apr. 18 @ Lansing Catholic 5:30PM

Apr. 20 Dansville 6:30PM

Apr. 23 @ Ionia 5:30PM

Apr. 26 Eaton Rapids 5:30PM

Apr. 30 Williamston 5:30PM

May. 02 Fowlerville 5:30PM