Cheney soccer team busy filling holes

CHENEY – Graduation took a heavy toll on Cheney girls’ soccer this past spring.

And despite losing 10 program players and a handful of starters, head coach Nels Radke is optimistic the things can improve from 2023’s sixth-place Greater Spokane League finish.

The Blackhawks finished 3-6 in GSL play, 6-8 overall.

“I was very interested in finding out how our team is going to be this year because we lost so many players from last year,” said Radke who enters his 13th season leading the program.

Despite the loss in numbers from the top end, those vacancies have been filled with 40 currently in the program. Those include players of all grade levels, some with experience, others not.

But everyone will likely land time on the pitch. “Now we have a full varsity and a full JV, which we haven’t had in several years,” Radke said.

A very welcome re-addition is keeper Kiah Klauss who was lost to much of the 2023 campaign while recovering from off-seasons knee surgery.

“She’s a great keeper, but also she’s extremely vocal,” Radke said. “Just being able to talk to the girls and let them know where to go, that’s a huge thing that we missed last year.”

Sarah Hanson and Addy Butikofer return in key spots as center backs. “We have new players on the outside so that their leadership is huge,” Radke said.

“Our midfield is Ally Deutsch, Kayelee Kohlman and Kinley Collins and they’re playing extremely well together,” Radke said.

“Oftentimes, the team that wins the midfield has a very good chance of winning the game,” he added.

Of all the losses to graduation losses, leading goal scorer Alex Miller might be one of the most critical. But Radke suggests that hole might be filled by Collins.

“I think she’s pretty dangerous and so we’re gonna’ need her to score some goals for us,” Radke said.

Some of the new faces that have impressed Radke early include Raimee Gleason. “She’s a freshman doesn’t look like a freshman,” Radke said.

Somewhat of a surprise addition is Macie Gasperino who chose not to play slow pitch softball and return to soccer where she played previously at the club level.

“I’m extremely grateful that she did (decide to play soccer) because she’s gonna’ be she’s one of our outside defenders,” Radke said. “It doesn’t even look like she’s been off of soccer for a while.”

Finally, Radke wanted to point out Avery Warren who may not even play due to injury. Her impact early on was recognized by earning votes as a team captain.

“She was a big leader throughout the summer, and I think she was going to have a really good year for us,” Radke said.

“I talked with her about that and despite not being on the field you can still have a huge impact on the season,” he said.