The Homestead girls soccer team is coming down the stretch and closing in on playoff time. This Thursday, the Highlanders face off against a solid Mukwonago team and hope home field advantage will play a factor in the game.

“We need to feed off the energy from the crowd. That helped a lot in the Cedarburg game. We really appreciate the support because once we hear the rowdy student section, it helps us be more motivated and raises our intensity,” Christine Kerkman, senior captain, said.

Throughout the season, this blend of motivation and intensity has provided momentum and a chip on the players’ shoulders. “Mukwonago is going to be a tough opponent. We can step up to the challenge as long as we keep our composure throughout the game, connect passes and continue to switch the field,“ Kerkman said.

“To get this win against Mukwonago would mean a lot for keeping our long term goals of sectional champions and making it to state still a possibility,” Allie Haddad, junior, said. The girls have showed tremendous effort in a multitude of games this season including a recent game against conference powerhouse Cedarburg.

“The girls are capable of winning every game they play. We’ve been working on building up the ball from the defense and supporting offense by getting numbers. Overall, the team is working to get better every game,” Coach Tony Navarre, assistant soccer coach, said.

This season, the girls have posted their three losses against non-conference opponents while holding an undefeated record against all conference opponents. Mukwonago, although posting a 6-4 record, is a deceivingly strong squad.

Mukwonago will be a good test midway through the season to ensure that the Highlanders are riled up and ready for the playoffs.

Gallery • 2 Photos

Bella Stechschulte

Hannah Malicky, freshman, deflects a shot away from the net in a recent game.