Confidence keys Anoka girls' keeper in soccer run to state

So much for a coming out party.

Anoka girls' soccer coach Amber Woeltge said junior goalkeeper Chantelle Palermo established herself earlier this season with an 18-save performance in a loss against Centennial.

Palermo cannot recall any specifics. But then, a short memory served Tornadoes' players well during a turbulent season. A five-game losing streak from mid- to late September threatened to erode confidence. But they recovered to win the Class 2A, Section 7 title.

Anoka (9-8-2) opens state tournament play against No. 3 seed Eden Prairie (15-2-1) at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday at St. Cloud State.

The defense, anchored by Palermo, allowed only one goal during the past four games. She spoke with Star Tribune reporter David La Vaque about taking over as the starter this season, weathering a slump and making a critical save in the section championship.

Q: You were a backup as a sophomore. So how did you prepare to take on the starting role this season?

A: I was a little nervous at first. I knew it would be a little more challenging than I was used to. But I was also excited to start the season with a good group of girls. I was ready to give it my all.

A: It was a little hard. But we came together as a team and remembered that one of the goals that we set at the beginning of the year was to make it to state. We kept that in our minds and kept striving for that goal. I was confident we could build ourselves up again and start winning.

Q: The section final meant a showdown with No. 1 seed Blaine. Did tying Blaine earlier this season help your team's confidence?

A: Yes, we were really confident that we could show them we were ready to give it our all — even if they were the No. 1 seed.

Q: Your teammates gave you a first-half lead against Blaine. How much do you enjoy playing with a lead?

A: I always play really cautious when we're up. I take my time a lot more and make sure every save is a good, clean save. I make sure that I'm ready, that I'm watching my line and that I can see the whole field so I can direct very well.

A: I just remember that I was ready and aware. I was telling my teammates to either turn or get set and I was caught mid-sentence when she kicked the ball [laughs]. It was a good, hard shot but it was in my reach. I had to move my hands up a little.

Q: In the past four games your defense has allowed just one goal. What has been working so well down the stretch?