The ADM/Van Meter girls soccer team has had a week off since its season-opening blow-out win over Carroll, but tonight’s opponent will be much tougher for the Tigers.

Head coach Kelsey Dolder’s squad takes on Class 3-A Des Moines Roosevelt, and she knows her players will be tested, especially their new defensive scheme.

While implementing that new “flat-back four” defense has been a bit of a challenge during the early parts of the season, Dolder has been faced with another challenge that most coaches don’t have to deal with: sharing players.

“There are about nine girls who are actually doing soccer and track this year.  So obviously we’re battling with… not necessarily battling, but they go to track practice first and then come to soccer.  But it is working out so far, and actually, the track girls are some of the hardest working on the team.”

With the girls track team having no competitions on the schedule this week, Coach Dolder will have some time to further implement her new system and way of doing things.  Tonight will serve as a measuring stick as to how well the Tigers are adopting their coach’s new philosophies, and Dolder says she’ll be reiterating a similar message from last week prior to the start of the match.

“I want to just see everyone bring it, and I’m competitive–I want to win.  I’m here to win and I hope they are too.”

The ADM/Van Meter girls will also be in action Thursday this week, as the Tigers take on Norwalk in Adel.