New seasons always have a bit of a different feel to them than the previous one.

But for the Aberdeen Central girls’ soccer program, almost everything about the starting lineup will fall under that “new” moniker.

The Golden Eagles graduated nine seniors from last season’s team that reached the State AA semifinals before falling in a shootout loss to Mitchell.

“When you have 11 (on the field) and you graduate nine, that’s a lot of change,” acknowledged Central coach Merle Aske.

However, the proverbial cupboard isn’t all bare. Aske habitually rotates as many players as he can onto the field, particularly early on within seasons, so while the starting lineup might read as a brand new group, those players are not short on situational experience.

“We try to get everyone some experience, especially early in the year,” Aske said. “That way they can feel what it’s like to be out there and under pressure and have to get the job done.”

While top goal scorers Kaylin Poppen and Deshani Peters have moved on, along with goalkeeper Ciara Frank, the Golden Eagles will attack opponents with the same philosophy.

“The top speed won’t be there but the ability to press and put pressure on, that’s been our signature,” Aske said. “Even years when we didn’t have all the speed, we always want to put pressure on them.”

Expected to lead the way this season are Kirra Stillman and Gracie Lozenski. Stillman was in the starting lineup before suffering a season-ending knee injury last season, while Lozenski, a key reserve last season, moves to the midfield this season.

“It’s a different role than last year, but she’ll be out there attacking,” Aske noted.

Lozenski won’t be the only one assuming a different role this season. 

“Every year, we have to evaluate and move people around,” Aske said. “We’ll fit the pieces together and find what works best for us.”

The Golden Eagles open their season Friday at Pierre.

While Aske would like to place his team as one of the top targets in the Eastern South Dakota Conference, he knows other teams return strong lineups, as well, citing Pierre, Harrisburg and Mitchell as three teams with a chance to make a deep run.

“ESD is a pretty tough conference in soccer,” he said, noting that his program will need to put forth a strong effort every time it takes the field.

“Every year, with high school, you’ve got a different chemistry and makeup,” he said. “We’ve got eight seniors this year. They were either playing or watching last season and involved with what’s going on. Now it’s their year to get it done.”