Defense Leading Way For LA Soccer

With just two games left in the regular season, the Livingston Academy girls soccer team has the chance to keep their last seven opponents scoreless.

It’s been three full weeks since the Wildcats last surrendered a goal and this is in part to a defensive unit that lacks experience. Livingston’s goalie, Chloe Dial, is in her second year of playing soccer and first year in goal. Junior midfielder Tara Hinds said Dial has all the intangibles for a good goalie.

“Even though Chloe is a goalie that’s never played before and she is a freshman, she’s really athletic,” Hinds said. “Really tall, fast, quick. So, all of that is in favor for her.”

In the pre-season Dial said the responsibility as starting goalie was nerve wracking, but after only allowing nine goals in twelve games she feels more comfortable. She said the friendships she’s formed with her teammates off the pitch have translated to the games.

“I think our communication is really good and I like how bonded we are as a team,” Dial said. “Because we really try to focus on liking each other and bonding so we can play well together. So, I think that’s working a lot.”

After their last loss to Franklin County in last August, head coach Heather Marshall said that defensive intensity and physicality would have to improve. And according to Dial, the defense has stepped their play up and makes her job easier.

“It’s really nice to have a good defense,” Dial said. “I know that I can trust them and if the ball does get back, it’s not really going to happen a lot, so I really trust them and liking having a good defense.”

Along with a freshman in the goal, the Wildcats last line of defense before Dial features a freshman learning on the job. Freshman Kadence Parsons recently transitioned from goalie to right back and her teammate Hinds said she has made the most of her new position.

“She’s taken on the role really well,” Hinds said. “She has Katey Beason and Chloe Ledbetter in the back with her that are helping her and teaching her. And they’re all friends and they’re good at communicating with each other where to go and filling in spaces. Katey is the center back and she’s older, she’s played there the longest. And, I think that having her there as a role model really helps.”