MISSOULA- Led by junior forward Carmen Anderson, the 2022 Lady Knights soccer team is yet to be defeated. After knocking off crosstown rival Missoula Big Sky 8-1 last week (10/4) at the Rattlesnake fields, the red hot Knights secured their Western AA Conference Championship- their second ever in program history (2008). To this point, they have showcased nothing but state championship-level soccer. “I feel great about our undefeated season so far,” said Anderson. “The team has done really well, and I think we’ve all exceeded our personal, and team expectations.” 

The Knight’s dynamic of team-first really shines on their season as an entirety, and their undefeated record. “I think we are really coming together as a group, and it’s fun to get to be a part of,” Anderson said.

Anderson led the offensive attack against Big Sky, with four goals, one unassisted, followed by Sadie Richardson scoring two on the day. Riley Lumpkin and Maizy Miller chipped in with a goal each to boost the Knights to a boasting eight goals. 

Sophie Dissa, the Knights’ superstar goalie, also kept pace on her amazing season by only allowing one goal in the entire match. 

“Last week’s game was a big win for us,” said Anderson. “Not only did we become city champions, but we also became conference champs.” The two first steps to a state title for the Knights are what they already accomplished, supporting their 11-0-2 record. “I think earning (city and conference) titles pumps us up even more for our postseason games, and trying to win that state title,” Anderson said. 

Many other names made the stat sheet for the Knight’s as well. En route to a big blow out against their crosstown rivals, Lumpkin picked up two assists, and her goal was assisted by Anderson. Izzy Beaton had an assist as well, and Molly Dombrowski and Sydney Yung each added an assist to boost the team to another tick in the win column. “We are feeling good, both a lot of nerves but excitement too,” Anderson said.

 Looking ahead can get lethal and over-shadow what is still left before the postseason, which is exactly what Anderson is focusing away from: “We want to do well and keep winning games, but right now we are focusing on taking the rest of this season one game at a time.” 

Anderson is joined by Junior defender Chloe Larson for the prideful captain spotlight.  “It’s been a lot of fun to be a co-captain on the team so far this season,” Anderson said, explaining that the dynamic of two captains play off of each other immensely. “I think me along with Chloe are both very honored that we were voted team captains this year. Everyone contributes to this team, and because of that and the fact that everyone is so good at their positions, it makes my job as a forward pretty darn easy.”

 “Me and (Anderson) are very cohesive, and have similar views on the team,” said Larson. “We have also worked a lot to create a good team chemistry, and I think that’s really been helping us pull out the wins.”

Larson is set at a defender position, and has led her defense to an incredible season in front of Dissa backing up her goal. “I’m excited to finish the regular season with our record. We have really worked hard to be number one, and it is so fun to see it paying off. We are all ready to step up and excited to get redemption from last year’s postseason!” 

These Knights look to stay red hot heading into their very bright postseason run. With three games left before their quarterfinals game to kick off the postseason, they look to keep their unbelievably good pace up and finish strong!