DOWNERS GROVE SOUTH

The Mustangs aren't starting with a totally clean slate this season, but it's close to that.

Gone is longtime coach Barry Jacobson, who took the Mustangs to five state trophies in 29 years as head coach. Abby Anderson, who had high school coaching stints at Mother McAuley and Tinley Park and was recently an assistant at St. Xavier University, takes over as head coach.

Seven seniors have also departed from last year's third-place state team, including the top three goal-scorers — Sarrah Ludwig (29), Flo Beshiri (15) and Jessica Bronke (10). That trio and Jessica Pikul (six goals) were all captains.

"The girls who are up with the varsity team, I told them nothing is set in stone," Anderson said. "It's going to be a battle for our starting spots. I preach the idea of daily competition in practice."

Anderson, who left SXU as the program's all-time leading scorer, hopes to play an attacking brand of offensive soccer based on speed, finesse and possession, but not at the sake of defensive responsibilities. In that regard, forward Emily Wauer (the leading returning scorer with six goals and five assists), midfielder Brittany Dietz and defender Lori Niehaus, who head the group of returning players, will fill crucial roles this spring as the Mustangs look to continue their tradition of success.

"Hopefully that continues with our new coaching staff," Anderson said. "We're looking pretty balanced so far so not just one thing is standing out."

Nickname: Mustangs

Coach: Abby Anderson

2012 record: 20-6-3

Top players

Brittany Dietz sr. M/D

Lori Niehaus jr. D

Emily Wauer jr. F

Jenny Adams so. M

Jamie Furio jr. GK