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Posted Thursday, Mar. 06, 2008 Comments   (0) Print Share Share Reprints
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By TOBIAS XAVIER LOPEZ

tlopez@star-telegram.com

Arlington Martin’s corner kick soared into the Duncanville penalty area and a flash of red hair rose above the crowd and sharply headed home the goal.

It was once again Lady Warriors sophomore forward Mandy Burgardt knocking home another goal, one of two she scored in Wednesday’s 4-0 victory against Duncanville.

Burgardt sits among the Top-5 area Class 5A goal-scorers with 21. Sportingly, Martin coach Ruth Knight substituted Burgardt at halftime on Wednesday once the game appeared in hand.

Burgardt said her red locks are often the way she’s identified by the opposition on the field rather than by her number.

She plays with the Lady Warriors, the Polaris ’92 club in the classic league, and with North Texas State team.

What’s led to your goal-scoring success this year? “I’ve had a lot of help from everyone like Natasha (Anasi) in the midfield and the other forwards and a little bit of luck, but I’m just happy to be doing what I’m doing.”

When did you get started in soccer? “Three years old, three years old, coached by my mom (Ashley Burgardt). It was herd ball, chasing the ball all around the field, oh, my gosh it’s kind of embarrassing.”

Martin is undefeated in district, ranked No. 1 in Class 5A by the Star-Telegram. What are the expectations? “I really think we’re going to go far. Last year was about Taylor Knaack (Notre Dame) and we wanted the spotlight on her. This year it’s more about the team, more unified. Everyone loves everyone and it’s a really good atmosphere out here. I really think we’re going to go far.”

What are your aspirations after high school? “I committed to SMU a couple weeks ago. I’m so excited. There was no other question about where I wanted to go.”

As a sophomore what sort of pressure is there to continue to develop the next two years before SMU? “I have motivation inside me that will keep me going. I really don’t feel any pressure; I feel less pressure actually not having to deal with the coaches all around me. I don’t feel any more pressure.”

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