Despite the loss of five starters from last season’s girls soccer team, the Lindbergh Eagles are hoping last year’s leading goal scorer can return from an injury to lead them to the postseason.

Last year, the Eagles finished second in the Seamount League with an 11-3-1 record and narrowly missed making their second straight trip to the state tournament, falling 1-0 to Kingston in the district playoffs.

This year, Lindbergh will have to replace five starters from last year’s squad including First Team All-League selections Alicia Wasisco, Lindsey Pfluger and Liz Beltran.

“It provides a great opportunity for our returning players and newcomers to step up and fill those roles,” said Head Coach Ryan Johnson in an email, when asked about the departed seniors. “I’m excited about the progress we have made this past week and can’t wait to see how this season unfolds.”

Despite these losses, the Eagles return their leading goal scorer from a year ago, senior captain Justine Yarington. After suffering a knee injury against Kingston, Yarington claims she’s ready for a new season with the Eagles.

“After I tore my ACL last season, I spent eight months rehabbing and was finally cleared to play a full game,” she said in an email from the coach. “This season I’m extremely excited to be able to play my first full 80-minute game in over eight months with such a wonderful and talented group of girls.”

As a junior, Yarington scored 18 goals and added nine assists.

The Eagles should also benefit from an experienced midfield this season as they return four starters from a year ago. Marcela Cardona, Mia Ramos, Zhane Spates and Morgan Earl combined for 48 starts during 2013. Junior captain Marcela Cardona expects the midfield to be dynamic this season.

“I feel like we will be really strong on the attack and defensively,” added Cardona.

Emmy Ayala, Kendall Goodman, and Veronica Hrenchir are also expected to contribute this season.

Led by senior Allison Fernald, Lindbergh’s back line will have some new faces in 2014. Robyn McLuen has moved from the midfield to help add depth while newcomers Valerie Yarington, Kiana De Jesus, and Smerh Reader will be called upon to fill the remaining two spots. Junior Elly Chambers will get her opportunity start at goalkeeper this season after backing up Liz Beltran and Audrey Cunningham the previous two seasons.

Lindbergh opens the season Saturday, Sept. 6, at Kentlake.