When Mike Soskil took over Wallenpaupack Area’s girls soccer program 10 years ago, he did so with a simple philosophy in mind.

Coach Soskil was a keeper when he played in high school and college, so he wanted to stress a fundamentally-sound, defense-first mentality.

“I’ve always preached to our girls that if they don’t give up any goals, they won’t lose very many games,” he told TWI Sports. “We focus on stopping the other team first, then creating our own scoring opportunities...and it’s an approach that works well for us.”

So far this season, Paupack is once again setting the standard for defense in the Wyoming Valley Conference. The Lady Bucks are currently 5-2-2 overall and 4-1-2 in Division ‘B’ action. Monday afternoon’s regularly scheduled game at Hanover Area was postponed due to rain. Weather permitting, that contest will be made up today.

Stay tuned to TWI Sports for continuing coverage of WVC girls varsity soccer.

Scoreless Tie
Paupack’s latest epic battle took place late last week and ended in a scoreless tie.

The Lady Bucks dominated their game against Lake Lehman, outshooting the Knights by a margin of 10-1. However, neither team put the ball in the net throughout regulation and two overtime periods.

The result was 0-0 tie.

“We didn’t really play our best in that one, but it wasn’t for lack of effort,” said Coach Soskil. “Our girls had a couple of good clean looks at their net, but we just couldn’t score.”

A pair of Paupack shots ricocheted off the post and another was stopped on a brilliant save by Lake Lehman’s Becca Stull.

Heather Michael and Kim Barry led the charge defensively for the Lady Bucks. Michael needed to stop just one Knight volley en route to her sixth shutout of the ‘09 season.

Barry made her varsity debut at sweeper and turned in an stellar performance. Kim has been a striker and midfielder for her entire soccer career. However, due to injury and illness, she’s been asked to step in at sweeper.

“Kim did an outstanding job for us,” said Coach Soskil. “She’s a very knowledgeable player who anticipates very well. Kim really stepped up to the plate when we needed her most.”