The art of intimidation; when mastered properly, it can be used to gain a discernable advantage, often times long before competition has even began.

U17 Lonestar SC center back Satara Murray is a pro at gaining a psychological edge on her opponent.

Next month, Murray will lead her team to the ECNL national semifinals, but the way she has it figured, she’s already got a leg up.

“Some people think that early in a game tackles aren’t necessary – but the first couple minutes of a game is when I put my foot down,” Murray said. “The first time an opponent comes my way I’m putting all of my force into a tackle.”

“That way they know exactly who they are going up against.”

If you haven’t figured by now, Murray is the physical force that sets the tone for the Lonestar squad. She is blessed with a great presence at 5-foot-8 and an unwavering competitiveness.

Stars of Massachusetts will get a heavy dose of both when the teams clash for the right to play for the ECNL national championship.

Behind Murray and Lonestar defenders like Julie Arnold, Olivia Drapes and Kristin Fennegan the squad from Texas will try to prevent Stars attackers Alexandra Doody, Morgan Andrews and company from getting loose.

It’s these mano-a-mano encounters that Murray relishes, and that make her the defender she is.  

And Murray logs away every individual matchup. She can tell you the forwards she thrives against and who poses the biggest challenge.

“The toughest attacker I’ve ever faced is Chioma Ubogagu (Our No.1 player on the TopDrawerSoccer.com 2011 Top 100 List),” Murray said. She’s really good and fast. Her creativity on the ball is exceptional. Every time I play her it’s always interesting to see who will win the battle.

“I enjoy putting up a good fight against any opponent.”

Murray’s knack for fighting the good fight will take her to North Carolina for the 2011 season. And who knows? By the time she joins the national champion program she might just be a national champ herself.

“I don’t want to curse us, but I feel really good about us winning it all this year,” said Murray, whose mother is from England and dreams of playing for the English national team one day. “As a team we have really grown a lot. It would be an amazing feeling because that is the goal for this team – we want to be known as the best in the country!”