“We’ve preached that we’re a family,” Bryan coach Chris Gibson said. “I want these girls to be like sisters for each other. They’ve really bonded, come together, and they all support each other and go to nonsoccer events to watch and offer support. They don’t have to worry about fitting into this group here or this group there. It makes coaching easier when you don’t have to worry about different dynamics and having to make sure we’re all on the same page.”
Bryan, which lost 5-1 to Tomball Memorial on Tuesday, will face a Houston-heavy district with teams that feature several players on travel teams in the area, a luxury not as readily available in Bryan.
But the Lady Vikings bring some talent of their own to the pitch. Gibson believes speed is their biggest team strength, and he said they also see the field and pass well. One of the top speedsters is sophomore Emeyda Cruz, who leads the team with 10 goals.
Gibson also said he has confidence in a senior class led by Sarah Gregory and Brandy Murillo, both captains, as well as Meagan Martinez. Bryan also gets a boost from junior Halee Hernandez, who made all-district as a freshman in 18-5A and is returning from injury. Gibson anticipates the speedy Hernandez will be able to put pressure on opposing teams.
Junior Jane Covey leads the Bryan back line, and senior goalkeeper Melanie Munoz is a returner who has shown plenty of promise early in the season.
“Our back line shuts down the counter well, and they don’t get frazzled,” Gibson said. “They work well together; they don’t run on each other’s position. They all know they’re each going to do their job. It’s a trust factor.”
As for Munoz, Gibson said he is pleased with the work she’s put in to grab control of the goalkeeper job and is impressed at the pace at which she is improving. He also added that competition from younger players has pushed her to get even better.
There’s plenty of pieces for Bryan to build a team capable of competing in 14-6A. For Gibson, it’s about finding the right combinations, and the Lady Vikings’ familial-type bond will be vital in figuring that out.
“We’re still finding chemistry, who can play where,” Gibson said. “We tried multiple formations, and we have two or three that look pretty good. Going into district, we’re focused. We’re ready, and we know we’re in ... Click here to read full article
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