As the Liberty Christian girls soccer team gears up for the MCSAA Division 1 State Tournament, coach Ken Dildine has made the team’s mission crystal clear – score the first goal. 

“We have to score that first one to alleviate the pressure of everything else,” he said. 

After a heartbreaking loss in last year’s state championship game — decided by a penalty kick and missed chances — the Eagles are back with unfinished business. 

“We did not have one goal (that game) and we had too many shots and breakaways and did not score,” Dildine said. “It’s very deterrent, so we have to get that one goal out of our system.” 

Liberty Christian isn’t just looking to compete, they are after the title. 

“Just like I said in the beginning of the season, we’re going out there to win the whole thing,” Dildine said. “We just have to execute and play the game that I know they can play.”  

Liberty Christian enters the tournament with a 6–5 record, but this year comes with an added challenge: the team is moving up to Division 1, where they’ll face larger, more competitive programs. 

Still, Dildine isn’t concerned. 

“I’m really not sweating any of it. We’re ready and the girls are set to go,” he said. 

The coach went on to emphasize the importance his core of seniors will have as they head to the big stage. These seniors are Allie Brazier, Lauren Moss, Jubilee McGowan and Raelee Bruno. 

“(Brazier) has really stepped up and challenged the girls, but it’s going to take all of them to really help each other out and keep pushing to get them going,” Dildine said. 

Dildine expects Christian Fellowship to be their biggest competition, as they had dropped two close regular season games to them. However, with the potential of a third matchup, the Eagles are primed. 

“Already playing them twice gives us a little bit of an advantage because we know who to shut down. There’s one player they have that really stands out and if we can keep her contained, I think we’ll be able to pull it away,” he said. 

Dildine also added the strong defense and the well-balanced attack will help. 

“We have a really good defensive stand and if we continue to move the ball like we have been, we’ll be good,” Dildine said. 

Liberty Christian will face Westwood Baptist to kick off the tournament at 3 p.m. on May 8. 

“Win or lose, we’re going to come out and give them everything we got,” Dildine said.