Craig Daily Press

Craig — Alegra Yager said before the season she wanted to “start from scratch” when it came to her expectations for the upcoming season.

And, de­­spite a 9-0 loss to Steam­­boat Springs in the team’s season-opener March 11, Yager — Moffat County High School girls soccer coach — said the team is headed in the right direction.

“They worked awesome as a team,” she said. “We had a couple of nice shots, and the girls played well.”

Although the team gave up nine goals, Yager said she was happy with the defense; saying it’s the offense that needs work.

“We just need to create more offensive opportunities,” she said. “Offense is what we were lacking in the Steamboat game.”

The opportunity could present itself Friday, when the Bulldogs (0-1 league) visit Rifle to compete against the Bears (0-1-1 league).

Rifle swept last year’s two-game series with the Bulldogs, winning 2-0 at home and 3-2, in Craig.

Yager said she would make a change in goal for Friday’s contest — senior Gricelda Quezada will replace freshman Imelda Hernan­­dez — but not for defensive reasons.

Yager wants Hernandez on offense.

“Imelda is a wonderful goalie, but as soon as we put her on the field we started having more offensive opportunities,” she said. “She really is a strong field player and we need her out there.”

The team practiced on its own during spring break, and Yager said the team has had two good practices this week, as well.

“I’m starting to see the things we are working on (in practice) beginning to shine through,” she said.

Yager said she thinks about wins, but more for the team, not the standings.

“I want the team to get the chance to feel what it’s like to win,” she said. “I don’t want them to have a losing mentality.

“But most of all, I want the girls to have fun.”