FAIRMONT — Matt Nielsen returns to the Fairmont Area Cardinal girls soccer sideline for his 12th varsity season with “a chip and a chair” philosophy this fall.

“It’s an old saying in my family,” Nielsen said in reference to Jack Straus bouncing back to win the 1982 World Series of Poker championship after being down to only one chip. “When I look at our front 11 players, I know that we always have a chance to win in every game, no matter what the odds are.”

Nielsen and the Cardinals will put that theory to the test against Big South Conference rival St. Peter at 5 p.m. today on the road before playing host to non-league opponent Osseo in a 1 p.m. home-opener Saturday at Kot Soccer Complex.

“We’re playing a couple of different teams this season in Osseo and Highland Park,” said Nielsen. “Since I graduated from Highland Park, I’m excited about getting the chance to coach against my alma mater in our home-opener.”

Nielsen, along with assistant coaches Kate Schanning and Jacob Brower, will implement a “high-pressure” approach this fall in hopes of improving upon last season’s 7-8-1 overall record, including a narrow 1-0 loss to Austin in the opening round of the Section 2A playoffs.

“Basically, when we (coaching staff) looked at the goals we scored last year, the majority of them were created by forcing turnovers,” said Nielsen. “As long as we apply pressure on their defenders to clear the zone, we can generate turnovers that will lead to higher-percentage shots on goal.

“We’re going to have to do more conditioning so we don’t get worn out doing it right. I think the extra work, however, will be worth the rewards.”

Junior Abby DeWitt and senior Brooke Hunwardsen, Fairmont Area’s top scorers from 2016, return to their familiar striker positions to crank up the intensity in the opposition’s defensive zone.

DeWitt, the Cardinals’ only honorable mention all-Big South selection, topped the offensive attack with 16 goals to complement seven assists. Hunwardsen, who distributed a team-best nine assists, delivered the Cardinals’ No. 2 goal total (13) to garner the roster’s offensive MVP award for the second straight season.

Hunwardsen joins senior Morgan Shriver, who doled out three assists from her starting defender spot a year ago, as Fairmont Area’s co-captains this fall.

“Brooke just has a nose for the goal, and is willing to play anywhere for the good of the team,” Nielsen said in reference to the all-out hustling Hunwardsen. “I really believe she sets the intensity tone for everybody else on the team.”

The hard-nosed Shriver will anchor a defensive backfield featuring senior Brielle Meade, juniors Mikayla Stradtman and McKayla Chambers, along with senior netkeeper Taylor Eicholz.

“Morgan is the type of player that you need every year,” said Nielsen. “She has a physical style, and is a hard worker and an excellent communicator back there. Her teammates have confidence when they see her on defense.”

Meade returns to her familiar defensive spot after earning the Cardinals’ rookie of the year award as a junior, while Stradtman and Chambers will extend their playing minutes this season.

Senior Celia Simpson, junior Grace Higgins, sophomore Lexi Kaufman and sophomore Isabelle Lenort will handle the Cardinals’ midfielder duties to open the season, with junior Jenna Gustafson filtering into the mix.

Sophomore Joni Becker, who tallied six goals and two assists en route to the team’s most improved award in 2016, will figure into the forward mix with Hunwardsen and DeWitt at the offensive end.

“We’ve been very physical in practice so far. Now we have to make sure we have the legs (stamina) to match our ambition,” Nielsen said in reference to his “high pressure” approach.

Nielsen sees Waseca as the top contender in the Big South race this fall.

“They return a nucleus of dedicated players,” said Nielsen. “They play the game during the winter, so it’s a challenge to beat year-round opponents, but we’ll give it our best shot.”