The goal for the Milford High School girls soccer team is clear.
After battling through a tough regular-season schedule, the Spartans returned to the Class I playoffs, but were out after the first round.
This year, Milford head coach John Vlachos is looking to not only make it back to the postseason, but to host a playoff game and make it to the quarterfinals.
“I expect our team to take the next step,” Vlachos said. “Our goal is to get at least past the first round. We certainly have enough talent on offense, and if we can make the commitment to defense, we have a new goalie in Alex Hiley, and she did a tremendous job preparing in the offseason.”
Milford returns eight starters from a year ago, including sophomore Morgan Andrews. Joining her are seniors Mary Donavan, Rachel Gray, Kelsey Landry and Cassie Sebas; junior Christina Vlachos; and sophomores Kendra Bonczar and Dina Pitsas.
Also returning from last year’s team are senior Amanda Clark; juniors Hiley, Ashley Federico, and Britiney Cross; and sophomore Brittney White.
Although Milford won’t have to face Hollis/Brookline, which was runner-up in Class I the last three years before moving up to Division I this season, the Spartans again will have to go through a tough schedule in the new Division II.
Milford will face Hanover, which won the title two years ago, and Oyster River, which won it all in 2007, along with games against Bedford and newcomers Sanborn, Goffstown and Trinity. The Spartans will also play Con-Val, John Stark and Souhegan twice.
“I feel our schedule is more on the hard side, which is where we need to be,” Vlachos said. “In this league, you can’t take anyone lightly. The bottom line is you have to beat the top teams if you want to be the best.”
Milford starts its season at 4:15 p.m. on Friday at Con-Val.