The word is out in KingCo girl's soccer: expect a difficult time with plenty of bumps and bruises when playing against the Ballard Beavers.

"These girls are tough. They are now being known as a very physical team. It's not an easy game when they play Ballard," said first-year Head Coach Val Seid.

The Beavers had beaten Bothell (4-0), Franklin (9-0), Garfield (2-1) and Redmond (2-1) on their way to a 4-6-1 overall record and 2-3 record in the league as of Oct. 9. Despite their league record, Ballard remains in the chase for a playoff spot.

Losses have come in games with Roosevelt, Holy Names, Juanita, Eastlake, Inglemoor, a tie with Woodinville and a 6-0 loss to Lake Washington on Oct. 10.

The Woodinville game could have been a Ballard win. In the Inglemoor game, Ballard kicked the ball into their own net to give the Vikings a point that helped them beat the Beavers.

"Anytime you do that against an eastside team, you are shooting yourself in the foot," said Seid.

Two freshmen players have contributed significantly to the Beavers this season. They are forward/mid-fielder Sara Ives (ten goals) and defender Anna Kelsey.

"The two freshmen have been a tremendous help to us," said Seid.

Junior forward/mid-fielder Mikaela Winter has six goals and two assists. Senior Stephanie Nelson has two goals and four assists to her credit.

Sophomore Sara Brink has helped the offense with four assists. Other statistical leaders include Sydney Huggins, a junior forward (two goals, one assist), senior Emily Larsen (one goal, two assists), junior Lucy Miner (two goals, one assist), and senior Margaret Coke (two assists).

Ballard is now fourth in their division with leader Redmond, Roosevelt, Woodinville in the top spots and Juanita and Bothell trailing the Beavers.

Eastlake, Lake Washington, Redmond and Roosevelt have the best records in the KingCo league overall with no losses or only one loss.

The Beavers must finish the season with one of the top six records in the league to qualify for the playoffs.

Ballard has games left at Juanita on Oct. 19, at Bothell on Oct. 23 and at Roosevelt on Oct. 25.

"All these remaining games count. The Inglemoor (loss) really hurt us. In my eyes, we have to win four out of six games to make the post season, which is very do able," said Seid.

When he took over the team this fall, Seid stressed working together and being mentally and physically tougher.

"I let them know Friday, they are one of the best teams I have ever coached. They have the talent," said Seid.

Dean Wong can be reached at 783.1244 or dino@robinsonnews.com