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Soccer Team Starts 1-1

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By DAREK SHARP, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 7, 2007

PLANT CITY - As long as the Durant High girls soccer program has existed, there has been a "go-to" goal scorer - several of them in some cases.

This is not that type of team.

"It's lunch pail soccer for us this year," Durant head coach Dick Sheffield said "We don't have a star-studded lineup, and it will be up to everyone to work hard and play together. We'll have a lot more 1-0, 2-1 games than 5-0 or 6-0."

Last week, girls soccer became the first of the winter high school sports to begin its season. Durant started off with a 2-1 win over Riverview but then lost Oct. 30 to Alonso 6-0.

Sheffield was dealt a setback from the start. Senior Brooke Van Aman, who has committed to play for the University of Miami, has decided not to participate.

A couple of the Cougars' other key players were unavailable against Alonso, a major reason for the lopsided final. Trinity Thompson, one of the team's top returning players, dislocated her shoulder while playing in a club soccer match.

Standout freshman goaltender Megan Fox suffered a concussion, but not on the soccer field.

"She was hit by a volleyball during P.E.," said Sheffield, who expected Fox back this week.

Both players should be ready to return this week.

Fox is one of several freshmen who will be called upon to help Durant, along with Christy Falerio and Nicole Grinell.

Amy Marsh, Caitlyn Dever and Desiree Mendoza head up the group of returning players. Mendoza, who Sheffield said "basically limped through last season" with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, is back to full strength.

Kevin Brevik, a well-known soccer club coach, is Sheffield's assistant.

Plant City began its season Thursday against Bloomingdale and starts district play Tuesday against Sarasota.

The Raiders will host the girls soccer district tournament this year. The boys season starts Tuesday.

Reporter Darek Sharp can be reached at dsharp@tampa trib.com.

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