With the introduction of seven freshmen to the varsity team, girls’ soccer looks to build off their record of 2-1 as their season begins.

The 2012 season ended with a 1-8 loss to Wayzata after winning the first game in the section playoffs, finishing with a record of 8-7-1 overall.

The team started the season with a 1-0 win over Alexandria, a 1-2 loss to Hopkins, and a 3-1 win over  Roseville. Their next game is against Fridley on Tuesday Sept. 3.

According to senior captain Lauren McManus, the team will balance the loss of the graduated players by adding talented underclassmen.

“There are lots of new, young players with a lot of talent,” she said. “We are going to look to those players a lot.”

Junior captain Anna Huber said the influx of younger players is a positive change because of the adjustment of style it will create.

“Bringing so many new players in will make a whole new atmosphere for the team,” she said. “We get to start from scratch, and we are building the future of girls soccer at Park for years to come.”

Freshman Abigail Bremner is one of the new players on the varsity team, and she acknowledged the size of the gap she and her classmates are filling.

“It’s a big responsibility,” she said. “Before our first couple games I was really nervous but now I’m more excited to help the team.”

In addition to the seven freshmen on varsity, McManus said the team is working on a new type of play to prepare for the upcoming season.

“We’ve been working on creating better counter-attacks from defense,” she said. “We want to catch (the other team) off guard for better opportunities to score.”

Head coach Benjy Kent said while the new players will be a focus, they are not the only new spotlight the team has this year.

“We started working with and encouraging the Strength and Conditioning program,” he said. “We have to keep up with bigger, faster teams.”

Additionally, Kent also said the team has added a renewed focus to leadership for the coming season.

“It starts with our captains and their leadership,” he said.

This season the team is led by four entirely new captains, including Huber. She said the senior captains left big shoes to fill, but she is looking forward to the task.

“I’m nervous for how my people will react to my opinions,” Huber said. “But I’m excited to help lead the team this season.”