After winning the district title last season, the Clayton girls’ varsity soccer team hoped to build off of last year’s superb season. After losing the class of 2009, which primarily filled last year’s starting lineup, the Hounds entered a search to fill in the gaps. At the beginning of the season the varsity squad added three freshmen to improve its roster and chances of making it to the postseason. The Hounds also had to find an interim goalkeeper to take Bree Northern’s spot while she was away playing for her club team.

Sophomore Andrea Stiffelman rears back for a throw-in in the Hounds' 1-0 loss to Burroughs. (Caroline Stamp)

The Hounds started off the season on a good note by coming out victorious in their first two games. The first game of the season the Hounds took to the field against the visiting Berkeley Bulldogs in a conference matchup. It didn’t take much to win that game as the Hounds smashed them 10-0. Leading the team to victory were forward Karley Woods (4 goals) and goalkeeper Amanda Wagner.
The next matchup was against the ABC League powerhouse Principia Panthers. The Hounds defeated their opponents 2-1.
That weekend the Hounds were forced to play the John Burroughs Bombers. Unfortunately, the Hounds were unable to find the back of the net that game, handing them their first loss of the season. The final score was 1-0.
The next weekend the Hounds were faced with a busy schedule, having to face Parkway North, Normandy, University City and Jennings. The Hounds managed to go 3-1 that week, improving their record to a solid 5-2 and undefeated in conference play.
“The season got off to a great start, outscoring our opponents by 12,” sophomore Karley Woods said. “We hit a few minor speed bumps against Burroughs and Parkway North, but I think we’ll have a pretty successful year for the most part.”
The Hounds are led by scoring threats Karley Woods, Meg Sutter and Allison Baylys.
“We have a lot of good players this season with a lot of talent,” sophomore Amanda Wagner said. “I think if we work hard and our work ethic remains the same, we will be one of the better teams in the area.”
Unfortunately, the Hounds have not even touched the hardest part of their schedule, when they will have to play Ladue, Webster Groves, Brentwood and Rosati Kain.