Culver City High School’s girls soccer team is moving into a new phase this season.

They have relied on one or two players in recent years.

One was A. J. Jaramillo, one of the best players in school history.

Now that she has graduated, the team is counting on youth to provide a new wave of talent.

There are only four seniors on the 20-player Centaur roster.

Coaches are hoping the young players develop quickly.

“We have a lot of work to do,” said first- year Coach Peter Bartlett after the Centaurs tied Peninsula 1-1 on Monday.

At 0-2-1, they play this afternoon and a 3 o’clock match on Thursday at West Torrance.

The Centaurs’ next home game is Monday afternoon against Baldwin Park at 5 o’clock.

Although the Centaurs are off to a slow start Coach Bartlett is excited.

“The potential is there,” he said. “We have a lot of players with outstanding ability. How quickly will we start to jell? We just have to put it all together.”

With the first win lying ahead in the fourth match or later, Coach Bartlett said that “we are going to make some mistakes along the way.  We need to get to know each other a little better.”

Sounding patient, he knows it is “going  to take more games to be able to play at a higher level.”

The Centaurs’ target is clear. “Getting ready for the Ocean league is the big picture,” said Coach Bartlett.

Mr. Finley may be contacted at sfinley50@aol.com

Mr. Laase may be contacted at GMLaase@aol.com