Ryan Murken

Your Prep Sports

The girls soccer season is officially here.

Monday marked the first day of competition for girls soccer teams across the state with area teams kicking off the season on Tuesday.

Over the past several years some of the top players in the state have shown their skills in the Your Prep Sports area.

There will be plenty of talent on display among area teams once again this spring as teams chase a spot at the state tournament that runs June 6-8 at Cownie Soccer Complex in Des Moines.

As matches get rolling in the area here are five players to keep an eye on this season. 

Naomi Meurice

Senior, City High

A starter since she stepped on the field as a freshman Meurice has long been considered one of the top goal keepers in the state.

Already a two-time Mississippi Valley Conference divisional keeper of the year and three-time MVC all-divisional pick Meurice is coming off her best season when she earned first-team all-Valley Division while making 111 saves.

Meurice posted six shutouts and allowed just 19 goals in 17 matches last season while helping City High to a 10-7 record.

Carsyn Gallagher

Junior, Clear Creek Amana

Gallagher scored six goals as a freshman in 2017 while playing alongside one of the state’s top scorers in Hannah Bormann.

Last season Gallagher proved she was more than capable of putting the ball in the net herself, emerging as one of the top offensive threats in Class 2A with a breakthrough sophomore season.

Gallagher led Clear Creek Amana with 17 goals and added six assists while earning first team all-WAMAC West Division honors for the first time.

Rachel Olson

Senior, West High

Last season was an uncharacteristic down season for West High which has long been among the top programs in the state but Olson still proved to be a dangerous threat from anywhere on the field.

A strong-legged offensive threat, Olson led West High with three goals last season accounting for nearly half of the scoring for the Women of Troy.

Watch for the Olson-led and the Women of Troy to take a big step this season following a one-win season last spring.

Samantha Schroder

Senior, City High

An Iowa recruit, Schroder scored three goals and added three assists last season despite being the focus of nearly every opposing defensive scheme.

A two-time Mississippi Valley Conference all-divisional honorable mention pick Schroder enters her senior season with 14 goals and nine assists in her career.

Claire Conlon

Junior, Regina

Conlon saw limited action as a freshman but took a bigger role last season while helping Regina return to the Class 1A state tournament for the seventh consecutive season.

After scoring two goals and two assists last season Conlon will look to take on an even bigger role this spring as Regina attempts to keep its state tournament streak alive.

Did you enjoy this subscription free article? Help keep Your Prep Sports free by becoming a member.