Madison Country Day School’s girls’ soccer team is taking a different approach to 2026: Scheduling some of the toughest opponents in the area early, so the rest of the season feels easier by comparison.

The MCDS team, which is INSERT SCORES HERE RIGHT BEFORE PRESS TIME,  is in co-op with Abundant Life Christian School and Saint Ambrose Academy. The combined roster fields both a junior varsity and varsity team, with some players designated as “swing” players who compete at both levels.

“Our schedule was planned to make it difficult to start the season,” Head Coach Benny Delgado said. “Last year, it felt like we peaked too early, so we want to push heavy to keep our level and demand high and not feel complacent too early.”

In their first three games, the team faced two large public high schools, Madison West and Madison Memorial. Though the team had losses, they focused on playing well and improving. 

“We aren’t losing too terribly, and we are playing Division 1 schools,” Norah ’28 said.“When we play schools in our division, we will be doing pretty well.”

The team has a home game on May 19 against University Lake School at 5:00 p.m, as well as an away game against Lakeside Lutheran on May 13 at 6:45 p.m. 

“It is looking like a great season, and we have a great team so far, and a lot of new players — new freshmen,” Norah ’28 said. “We have only played our hardest games so far, too.” 

Community and team building are also goals for the season.

“I want to focus on getting more playing time and getting to know some of the new St. Ambrose girls,” Annabel ’27, a defensive player, said. 

Varsity goalie Zami ’28 agreed.  

“I think it is really important for us to stay together as a team and focus on our goals,” Zami said. “It is not all about winning the game. It is about progress.”