How do you go about replacing the all-time leading goal scorer in program history along with some other key seniors? That will be the major question mark surrounding the North Montgomery girls soccer program this season as in 2023 there will be no more Teegan Bacon who scored 33 goals a season ago. While it’ll be difficult to replace her, Charger coach Julie Hodges sees this season as a chance for some of her other players to step into the fold.
“We’re going to have to find goals plain and simple,” Hodges said. “I’ve been really impressed with a couple of our girls who played with MC United in the off-season to really hone their skills. My hope is that some girls will begin to show their full potential this season. Last year I think they got a little too comfortable with Teegan doing things by herself. We’re going to need these girls to unlock their full potential for us to have success. If we’re able to have a lot of different girls be able to score a few goals, that will put us in a much better spot.”
Junior forward Ava Nunan along with senior Kayla Hoffman will help anchor the charger offense while junior Hailey Kunz, seniors Reagan Schultz, Paige Hudson, and junior goalie Ella Smith will be the key players for the Charger defense.
The Chargers as is usually the case under Hodges have good numbers again in 2023. North Montgomery will have a total of 28 players on the team and that allows Hodges to have some flexibility with how she sets her lineup.
“We’re making some changes to make sure that some of our weaknesses from a year ago turn into our strengths this year,” she said. “These girls are buying in to the changes that we want to make as a coaching staff and we’re hoping those changes are for the better on the field.”
The Chargers will begin the season with three straight road games when they begin the season Tuesday when they travel to take on Bethesda Christian. Their 2023 home opener will be on Aug. 24 when they welcome Greencastle.
