A goal scored is remembered; A goal saved is invisible. A good striker analyzes an opponent’s defense and adapts to work around it to find opportunities to score. A good defender analyzes the ways the striker attempts to find holes in the defense and communicates with the other defenders to keep the goals safe. Hazen Soccer veterans Katie Christianson (12), Brecken Harris (12), and Alyssa Tat (12) make up the “Green Wall” defense, and they are excellent examples of this principle.
While the nickname comes from their matching green cleats from their 2024 season, this year, their matching cleats are white and pink. Their role in the Hazen Varsity Soccer team is vital. As the Hazen girls enter their conference games, which determine their chances at this year’s state championship, they will rely on their defense to do their job as usual and keep the ball on their opponents’ side of the field.
Hazen runs a 3-5-2 formation on the field. This means 3 defenders, 2 forwards, and 5 midfielders, 2 of whom switch between midfield and defense. The main 3 defenders are Katie, Alyssa, and Brecken. While they all play defense together, they each have separate jobs and utilize their individual skills in their own defensive style. Alyssa uses extreme patience against the opposition and strikes and steals the ball at the perfect time. Brecken makes quick lunges and clears the ball forward with a great pass to the other players. Katie manages to clear the ball no matter its angle, location, or speed, and always manages to get it out. Together through their bond, they work as a cohesive team, allowing the rest of the team to focus solely on scoring.
While these three seniors are the main defenders, after about 30 minutes of straight playing, they get tired. Kendall Rabourn and Grace Nolen are Junior defenders who go in for the seniors. With some substitutions, team strategy and ability changes drastically, but not with these. Kendall and Grace replace the space on the field and fit in perfectly. Matching the skills and abilities of whoever’s place they took, allowing for the defense to remain stable throughout the section of the game, which is important because it allows the other defenders peace of mind while they take a break. Under the wing of the seniors, Kendall and Grace are prepared to take over next fall as the main defenders.
On September 23, Hazen faced Sammamish, and with the Green Wall defending the goal, 2 shots were attempted on Hazen’s side. In fact, the defense was so good at clearing the ball that the ball was only on Hazen’s side of the field about 5% of the game as Sammamish was scoreless. This allowed the midfielders and forwards to only have to focus on scoring goals. This gave them plenty of time to strategize and pick apart the Sammamish defenders, allowing them to score three goals from Zoe Wong (11), Reyna Vo (10), and Zaynab Zayan (10).
On September 25, the defense sealed the deal, shutting out Juanita 1-0. The defense played a cohesive game, communicating well and cooperating to once again allow 0 goals.
September 30 was a rollercoaster of a game. It started slowly but quickly picked up speed, and the defense needed to step up. After an incredible save by Alyssa, the Cedarcrest striker was too fast, scoring a goal. Hazen kept their chins up and continued to play great defense, blocking plenty more goals, and surviving a penalty, but the offense couldn’t get the ball in. In the last minute of the game, Zoe Wong(11) made a beautiful run and kicked the ball straight into the net. This led to overtime, where the Hazen defenders finally met their match. Cedarcrest scored one final goal, which sealed the deal, handing Hazen their first conference game loss.
The Green Wall’s defense is the heartbeat of the team, and while they may have let in 2 goals in the last game, their aggression, precision, and hustle are prevalent in their season record. If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend coming to view the Hazen Girls Soccer team at Renton Memorial Stadium for free with ASB!
