Little Rock Soccer 2020: Meet the Back Line

LITTLE ROCK - After an uncertain summer and a delayed start date for the soccer season, the Trojans are back in Little Rock and ready to play. In two weeks, #LittleRocksTeam is slated to take to the pitch in two weeks at Central Arkansas and officially show off the 2020 squad.

Following a season where Little Rock collected eight clean sheets, along with six ties, the most in school history, it is safe to say that the Trojan defense is currently the highlight of the program. Luckily enough, almost the entirety of the back line squad is returning to the pitch.

Senior defender Bergros Asgeirsdottir

Bergros Asgeirsdottir, a right back that has appeared in every single game for the Trojans throughout her entire career, will be the anchor of a tough back line. The senior leader and captain was a 2019 Preseason All-Sun Belt Team member after helping earn a school record 12 shutouts in Little Rock's legendary 2018 season. Last year, she collected the third-most minutes on the team and earned a game-winning goal in the process.

"I'm excited for this season as we have a good blend of talent on the team," said Asgeirsdottir, a native of Selfoss, Iceland. "As a senior I'm looking forward to starting the season off with some wins and enjoying my final season with my teammates. One of our strongest aspects as a team these last three years has been our back line, so I have no doubt that we will dominate the defensive side as we have before."

Junior left back Natalee Geren and co-captain is the other member of the defense that has championship experience, after playing in all 110 minutes of the Sun Belt title game in 2018 to give the Trojans a berth to the NCAA Tournament. Last year, she started every match and was on the field for 90+ minutes for 12 games. Now an upperclassman, she plans to bring welcomed experience to the field to support and prepare the squad for action.

"I expect the back line to be strong this season since we have players with good heights that are able to win balls out of the air easily as well as players with good speed to track the forwards," said Geren, adding, "Everyone in the back line is skilled and strong."

Junior defender Natalee Geren

The other returning members of the Trojan defense include Julia Edholm, Allison Morrison, and Kenedie St. Mary, all rising sophomores.

Edholm had the most decorated freshman campaign, earning 2019 All-Sun Belt Second Team honors and leading the team in goals and points. Morrison was an early stronghold for Little Rock, appearing in 14 games and starting in 11 before suffering a season-ending injury, and looks to make a strong return to the field this year. St. Mary appeared in eight games for the Trojans last fall and is set to increase her playing time this season.

New additions Line Bergstrom and Skylar Garner may also make appearances on the pitch to aid the Little Rock back line. Read more about Garner here and Bergstrom here and mark your calendars to come see the Trojan defenders in person this fall.

For the latest information on Little Rock Soccer, make sure to check out LRTrojans.com. You can also find the team on social media at @LittleRockSOC on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

#LittleRocksTeam