G-O-A-L! Mustangs ready to hit the pitch

On the pitch, there will be a newer group of Mullen Mustangs roaming it in 2020.

Ten competitors, seven who were regularly relevant in every match, are gone, so a mostly different batch will have ample opportunity for minutes.

“We’ve got some work to do,” head coach Matthew Guglielmo said.

Senior Emma Ryan will be the Mullen keeper. In front of her, Lillian Sanchez, an academy player, has returned as a Mustangs center-midfielder; sophomore Katy DeNezza will be at midfielder;

Lauren Creighton, who had moved to Austin before returning, is a sophomore center-forward; and talented junior Anna Seaman will be at center.

“There will be some role players and freshmen who will play,” Guglielmo said.

A year ago, the Mustangs were 12-2-1 entering the Class 4A playoffs. They opened with a 9-0 waxing of Montrose before a disappointing loss to Green Mountain by 4-1.

At least matching that effort, Guglielmo said, “is going to be tough. We could go farther as we have players who will bring new things. We’ll be different style-wise.”

Once again, the Mustangs will be in the 5A-based Centennial League. In 2019, they were 4-2-1. Mullen will begin the regular season on Friday, March 13, 4:30 p.m., at home against Manitou Springs. The regular season will run through May 9. The playoffs will begin May 13 and culminate with the 4A championship on May 28 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City.