A new coaching era is underway with the Excelsior Springs varsity girls soccer program. Led by Brett McKenzie, who also serves as assistant coach for the boys program, the girls opened Monday with a road loss to Mid-Buchanan. They were scheduled to finish their opening week Thursday at Raytown. They’re slated to face Independence-based Fort Osage March 26 at Tiger Stadium. The home opener with Fort Osage is among a handful of games the Tigers will host. Others include the annual Excelsior Springs Tournament, slated for April 6-10. THE SEASON AHEAD McKenzie leads a program whose wins have increased over the past three seasons, including an 11-9 campaign in 2023. He also leads a program whose top two scorers are returning: seniors Abby Rash and Bailey Carder. Rash, an all-state honorable mention last season, scored 26 goals in 2023. Carder, a first-team, all-region selection, scored 17 goals last season. Rash and Carder also were Excelsior Springs’ assist leaders last season…