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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend October 25, 2005 Megan Ross� athleticism is one reason the North Medford girls are ranked fifth in the state and are very hard to score against. Ross, a junior, has helped the Black Tornado to a 13- 0 record heading into a showdown today against rival South Medford. North’s last line of defense Megan Ross returned to her favorite position of keeper this season and has caused fits for foes By KEVIN GOFF Mail Tribune She’s an impenetrable force as the last line of defense. And that’s just the way North Medford goalkeeper Megan Ross likes it. "I just like that feeling like the team rests on what you do," says Ross, a junior playing her first varsity season in goal. "You’re the last one there to make a play." But, according to Ross, she’s just one piece in the puzzle for a North Medford defense that has set the standard in girls Southern Oregon Conference soccer. "I think it helps to have a defense like we have," says Ross. "It’s very calming knowing they are in front of me. Advertisement "The defense has had a lot of work this year and done very well. I just try to stay ready when the ball does come to me." Possessing cat-like reflexes, a booming right foot and an aggressive style that leaves opponents — and sometimes her coaches — on edge, Ross has defined the position of goalkeeper in the SOC. "She’s very aggressive," says Black Tornado coach Dick Darcy. "She’s tough, she’s smart, she’s fearless. "I believe with all my heart she’s the best goalie in the conference." Ross and that Black Tornado defense have pitched eight shutouts en route to an SOC-best 13-0 record and a No. 5 state ranking. The Tornado, besides one-goal victories over Crater, Grants Pass and South Medford, has blown the doors off most SOC opponents — mainly because of its lock-down defense. "I don’t think anyone expected this," says Ross, 17, of the lofty record and ranking. "We lost almost our entire starting team. "I was a little nervous about how this year would go." Darcy’s team was picked to finish tied for second in a preseason SOC coaches poll despite winning seven conference crowns in nine seasons. Yet the longtime coach knew North’s defenders weren’t something he had to worry about. "I don’t think we have the speed like we did last year," says Darcy, "but we have the smarts. I’ve been blessed with having good defenders here." And phenomenal keeper play. So good, in fact, that Ross played center midfield last season while Caitlin Seeley and Katy Kunkle manned the goal. "Megan Ross would have been a starter on any team in the conference as a freshman," Darcy says. "Unfortunately for her, she came in when Seeley and Kunkle were already established." Ross considered her time away from the net a learning experience that gave her a different perspective on the game. "I liked center mid a lot," she says. "It’s kind of like goalkeeper because you’re right in the middle of the decision making. "I like goalie the best, though." Ross honed her keeper skills early on as a member of the Rogue Valley Soccer Club under then-coach Frank Lawson. She also took lessons from Dave Kaufman, now the Panther boys front man. Basketball, where Ross flourished in North Medford’s run to the state tournament last year, also plays a part in her reaction time. "I think (basketball) helps me with my hands," she says. "And it helps me with reading balls and being able to react." Ross’ greatest attribute may be her right leg. She can boot the ball to the mid-field stripe, a rarity in girls high school soccer. By doing so, she can rapidly change the pace of the game and help kick-start North Medford’s defense-to- offense transition. Her aggressive keeper style also plays a part in intimidating would-be goal scorers. The assertive method Ross has nearly perfected almost cost North a goal in the first half of the Tornado’s overtime victory over rival South Medford. She came out early to retrieve a free kick with the seconds ticking down in a scoreless first half. Hoffbuhr Field, however, was slick and muddy from a recent rain and the ball bounded over her head towards the open goal. But Ross used her athletic ability to recover and thwart South Medford’s open attempt on goal. "Nobody is 100 percent," says Darcy. "It’s possible that that wasn’t the right time to come out. But she’s such a tremendous athlete that she is able to recover in situations like that." North Medford has one big final test today with the regular-season finale against South Medford (12-1) that will determine the SOC championship. "The team has really pulled together," says Ross. "I think we’ve proven that going undefeated is a definite possibility." Reach reporter Kevin Goff at 776-4483 or e-mail North�s last line of defense ">[email protected] . 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