By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

Riverside’s girls soccer program took steps forward a season ago, and have made even more strides in predistrict play this season.

Now, Stephen Millet and his team want to use that running start into a giant leap — they want to win district for the first time in team history, and the effort to achieve that goal starts this week as the Rebels were set to face Haynes Tuesday and rival St. Charles Thursday.

The Rebels and Comets will do battle in a district that also includes St. Martin’s and Haynes. With usual district rival E.D. White having moved up to Division II, the field appears to be wide open, and Millet said his team wants to take advantage.

Friday saw the Rebels notch another victory as it edged Walker, 1-0, on a Jordan Duhon goal midway through the first half.

“It was a very physical, chippy game,” said Millet, who said it was a good thing to experience before the district slate. “They had a bunch of opportunities as well, including a pair of shots that hit the post. I thought the girls played hard and were up to the game’s intensity.”

Duhon, who has been on a scoring surge of late, made her goal off of a cross by Kaitlyn Roussel.

“That was nice,” Millet said.

Millet said he was pleased with how his team was able to maintain control of the possession battle.

As far as intensity, he said he believes the team’s game with St. Charles, set to begin at 6 p.m. at SCC Thursday, will be similar in feel.

Last season the teams split in district play. Riverside’s victory was its first ever over the Comets.

“This is why you play. Facing your rival, with a lot on the line,” said Millet. “Unfortunately for us, they’ve had the upper hand historically. But we’re a program on the rise, and we feel good.”

Millet maintained, as he has all year, that a district title is the goal.

“It’s feasible for this team to do,” he said. “They’ve shown it through their play. The girls know it. It’s promising, but now it’s time to go out and do it.”