MARYSVILLE — It’s the second year of varsity athletics at Marysville Getchell High School and the girls soccer team is really taking charge to make this one a success.

Practice began for the Chargers on Aug. 20, and their focus has been on a lot of team building.

“Overall this year we have more knowledge of each other,” said head coach Wayne Nash. “We only graduated one last year, so we have a lot of returners who are building on their knowledge of each other on the field.”

The Chargers have 11 returning varsity players, with nine on the starting rotation. “There’s a better attitude, we have routines set now, traditions that we started and all of that is to build the mental bond and toughness that it takes to win.”

There are three Chargers captains this year, including Kaylie Green a returning captain and senior midfielder. “She is a strong leader for our team,” said Nash. “Individually, all of our seniors continue to show great leadership, and really it’s a group effort.”

In 2011, the Chargers soccer team won only three games. “We were a bit underachieved as far as our record,” said Nash. “We had a few games that were tied and we just couldn’t get them to go our way.” That year was the inaugural year for MG varsity sports and many of the school’s athletic programs were in the building process.

“We didn’t quite have the numbers we had this year and by the end of the season, you could tell they were tired,” said Nash. This season is being seen by many as the first opportunity to really show what the school has to offer in sports. “This year we had large numbers at tryouts and our talent pool is much deeper.”

Despite the struggle, the team was stilled recognized in 2011 for overall talent. “We had eight girls who received All-Wesco honors, and our entire defense was mentioned,” said Nash. A few key players were injured last season and are now being worked back onto the team. For Nash, the potential for improvement is great.

“Our starting two forwards were starting last year and I can definitely see the difference that another year has made,” said Nash, of junior Kelsee Crenshaw who scored most of the MG goals last year and junior Bailie Weikel, who is showing incredible potential. “She didn’t really hit her stride last year, but this year her confidence is unbelievable. Her shots and runs are really impressive.”

Nash is also impressed by the work of their midfield. “I was excited about the midfield play, but I don’t think I really grasped how good we are going to be this year. We are very strong.”

Going into this season the Chargers are trying to keep their minds clear and focused. They won their first game against Bellingham 3-2 on Sept. 4.

“We are trying to focus on one day at a time. Last year we jumped ahead a little bit. It’s better to think from day to day,” said Nash. “You have to be prepared to win. They believe they can do it now, they really do.”

The team faces Everett High School in a home game on Sept. 13 at 7:30 p.m.