Mirror's All-City soccer team

By CASEY OLSON

The Mirror

The Federal Way girls soccer team exceeded expectations this year. First-year coach Jason Baumgardt is the first to admit that.

The Eagles, who were picked by many to finish in the middle of the pack in the South Puget Sound League South Division, rolled to the regular season title unbeaten before falling in a penalty-kick shootout to South Kitsap in a West Central/Southwest District contest.

A big part of that success goes to senior centerback Mandy Ploskonka, who earned the Mirror’s All-City Player of the Year honors.

“I don’t believe any other player was more valuable to their team in the league than Mandy,” Baumgardt said. “She had a phenomenal year.”

Ploskonka possessed the league’s most powerful right foot and was lethal on corner and goal kicks for the Eagles. She turned numerous defensive plays into instant offense. Ploskonka led the South in total points with 19, and, like a point guard in basketball, would much rather make the set-up pass than score a goal. She tallied 15 assists and only four goals.

Ploskonka is still undecided on where she is going to play in college. She’s had interest from Seattle Pacific, Seattle University and went on a visit to Humboldt State in California earlier this year.

Here’s a look at the Mirror’s 2004 All-City Soccer Team:

Goalkeeper — Kristen Johnson, Decatur

The Decatur senior earned second-team All-SPSL South honors for the 7-6-3 Gators. Johnson had six shutouts on the year and was a leading force last season when Decatur finished third at the Class 4A state championships.

Defense — Tina Ruiz, Federal Way

The Eagle senior was the backbone of Federal Way’s league-leading defense. Ruiz, a sweeper, and the rest of the Eagle defense allowed just 10 goals in 18 matches during the season.

Defense — Leana Pomeroy, Decatur

The Gator senior sweeper led a Decatur defense that gave up just 13 goals all season.

Defense — Nicole Peterson, Beamer

The freshman will be a solid player for the Titans and coach Carrie Boers for three more years. Peterson also scored two goals from her fullback position.

Defense — Rachael Christenson, Federal Way

The senior teamed with Ruiz to form the best backline in the league for the SPSL South champion Eagles. Federal Way allowed .55 goals a game.

Midfield — Kelsey Racicot, Jefferson

The sophomore was a big factor in the Raiders’ offense and defense. Racicot scored three goals during the year and was a key component in TJ’s late-season run at a playoff berth after starting the year 0-8-0.

Midfield — Amanda Meadows, Decatur

The senior was a team leader for the Gators in the midfield. Meadows tallied two goals and one assist during the season.

Midfield — Bree Rowe, Federal Way

The sophomore might have the most talent in the district. Rowe led the Eagles with nine goals and has played on several Olympic Development Program teams on the west coast.

Midfield — Kelsey Lusebrink, Decatur

The sophomore led the district in goals with 11, including nine during the Gators’ six-game unbeaten streak in the middle of the season. She had three multi-goal games, including a hat trick against Spanaway Lake.

Midfield — Megan Price, Federal Way

The senior was a playmaker in the middle of the field for Federal Way. Price tallied eight goals and five assists.

Forward — Michelle Borth, Jefferson

The sophomore didn’t have the best numbers during the season, two goals and one assist, but she was a disruptive force for opposing defenses.

Forward — Mel Hicks, Jefferson

The sophomore led the Raiders in scoring with five goals, including two multi-goal games.

Forward — Jordan Salisbury, Beamer

The freshman frontliner led the Titans with five goals. Beamer, who was offensively strapped all season, tallied only 12 goals on the season.

Forward — Brittany Bennett, Federal Way

The senior tallied eight goals on the season for the Eagles, including one against Tahoma in the SPSL championship game.

Sports editor Casey Olson: 925-5565, sports@fedwaymirror.com

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