Van Buren lost its two starting goalies early in the season. Both were injured in back-to-back weeks and Nguyen, who had practiced some at goalie, was asked if she would take over the role.
The senior jumped into the role of the team's goalkeeper.
"I started out a couple of times in the fall and I thought because I missed a few goals that I wouldn't be allowed back there," Nguyen said. "I was back on the field and thought that was where I needed to be. But they needed someone in the goal, I tried it again, and I guess I did well enough so they kept me in there."
Nguyen began playing soccer as a sophomore but found it a better fit for her skills and abilities than track and basketball.
"I had friends who played, so I thought I would try it out," Nguyen said. "I started to like soccer more because I could use my speed to my advantage and be more aggressive. It was difficult at first to figure out where to pass the ball when someone is running at you, but it's easier now."
The Lady Pointers are sitting at 6-8-2 overall and 4-5-1 in the 5A West. Van Buren is still battling for the No. 4 seed to the Class 5A state tournament and Monday's make-up game against Mountain Home could determine which team gets that final playoff spot.
Van Buren goalkeeper Carlie Nguyen gets ready to throw the ball back into play during the April 27, 2021, 5A West conference soccer match at Airedale Stadium at Citizens Bank Field.
"It'll be nice because Van Buren hasn't been to the state playoffs in years," Nguyen said. "I know in the past few years we haven't been close as a team even though we had some skilled players. This year there's definitely more team chemistry.
"We have to have confidence. We can do well and beat the teams we should beat, but we have to keep working at it. We are having fun this season. As a sophomore, ... Click here to read full article
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