By Alex Nicoll

Editor-in-Chief

@NicollMac

Being the top-ranked team in the state and No. 4 nationally is a blessing and a curse for the Coppell Cowgirls’ varsity soccer team. It shows the recognition of a team’s hard work and talent but it also paints a target on their back because they are the team to beat.

So far this year, no team has been able to defeat the Coppell Cowgirls (17-0-3, 6-0-1 in District 7-6A) but Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m. at Buddy Echols Field the Richland Rebels (2-16-2, 0-6-1 in District 7-6A) will be the next to attempt the feat.

The last time these teams met, Coppell shutout Richland 5-0 behind the leg of senior forward Grace Vowell, who led the team with two goals. Since then, the Cowgirls have been unstoppable, outscoring their opponents with a goal differential of plus-25 and only surrendering one goal over the five game span.

With inclement weather postponing many games and practices for teams in the Metroplex, the Cowgirls, in a fortuitous turn of events, are coming off a bye week last Friday night and  practiced for four days, including last Friday before the voluntary dismissal in the afternoon.

“We should be good to go against Richland tomorrow night, especially since we beat them pretty bad last time,” head coach Chris Stricker said.

While Coppell was fortunate enough to have a bye game, Richland will play its make-up game against Southlake Carroll High School Monday night. Stricker is counting on the added benefit of Richland having little time to rest between games to be helpful in their match.

“They’re going to be all tired and battered,” Stricker said.

Tuesday night’s match is also teacher appreciation night for the Cowgirls and it will be a special evening for the girls and their teachers, according to Stricker.

“It’s a great way for teachers to come see the girls play and really showcase their talent on the soccer field,” Stricker said. “We have some great kids and all seven seniors are Academic All-State. I’ve never had everybody be Academic All-State before, so that is a big deal.”

So tomorrow night they get to showcase their soccer talent in front of the teachers that showcase their education talent all the time.”

While this game is not predicted to be a heated contest, it does give opportunities to provide more playing time for players who do not typically get the minutes they would in a more competitive game.

“One of our strengths of our team is our bench. When we sub we don’t have much drop off at all and we even have some that add to the team,” Stricker said.