Women’s Soccer @ Longwood Preview

Junior goalkeeper Mo Van Vlerah is currently in a very interesting position battle with freshman Lauren Kadet.

Longwood may be just 0-2 to start the season, but they are a much better team than their record. Last year the Lancers went 9-8-1, and return most of the key players from that campaign, including a strong senior class of goalkeeper Marcia Biddle, defenders Kayle Huggins, Katie Devlin, and Lauren Trizna, and forward Jessica Varela.

With three seniors across the back line, and a senior in goal, Longwood has a stingy defense. But what really helps them out in this game is that they will be playing at home, where they are 27-9-1 since 2006.

UMBC can certainly win the game. The team already has four goals this season and have been more aggressive and confident, when in possession with the ball. Last year the women’s soccer team, when they had control, always took to long to take a shot, wasting opportunities to take shots to try and set up better shots. Sometimes that can be a good move, but this year the team is taking their chances and already has 23 shots in just two games, nine of which were on target.

One big boost to the team could be the return of senior defender Erin Johnson. She was held out of he first two games after suffering some minor preseason injuries, and is expected to be back for this game. Johnson is a very talented and experienced center back. She came right in her freshman year and started every game en route to an All-Rookie Team selection. In three years she has played in every game (54) and has started 52 of them.

The other story line that deserves special attention is the goal keeper battle between junior Mo Van Vlerah and freshman Lauren Kadet, who have been battling for the starting job all preseason. Van Vlerah started every game last year, and despite being stormed by shots ever game, was very successful. She started the season and wasn’t faced with much action, but saved three shots while conceding a goal. But coach Alyssa Radu made a surprise change for the second game, starting Kadet. And Kadet had a stellar debut. It was ashame she didn’t have any offensive help, as she lost the game 1-0, but she saved 11 shots, which is impressive for a collegiate debut to say the least.

Probably Starters:

Jessy Brown is one of the freshman who has already become an impact player.

UMBC (1-1):
F- LeAnne Edgar (1 goal, 0 assists, 2 SOG)
F- Rachel McKee (0 goals, 0 assists, 2 SOG)
M- Jessy Brown (0 goals, 1 assist, 0 SOG)
M- Sandra Vacarino (1 goal, 0 assists, 2 SOG)
M- Katie Gitlin (0 goals, 0 assists, 0 SOG, played defense the last two games)
M- Morgan Andrews (0 goals, 0 assists, 0 SOG)
B- Aly Gazarek (0 goals, 0 assists, 0 SOG)
B- Erin Johnson (Has not played)
B- Christine Sadowski (1 goal, 0 assists, 2 SOG)
B- Kelsi Morris (0 goals, 1 assists, 0 SOG)
GK- Lauren Kadet (11 saves, 1 ga, 91.7%)

Key Reserves:
F- Brooke Piper (0 goals, 0 assists, 0 SOG)
M- Amy Savage (0 goals, 1 assist, 0 SOG)
M- Nicole Clark (0 goals, 1 assist, 0 SOG)
M- Sarah Purdum (0 goals, 0 assists, 0 SOG)
GK- Mo Van Vlerah (3 saves, 1 GA, 75.0%)

Longwood (0-1):
F- Lindsey Ottavio (1 goal, 0 assists, 2 SOG)
F- Lindsay Booth (0 goals, 0 assists, 0 SOG)
M- Kelsey Pardue (0 goals, 0 assists, 1 SOG)
M- Dylan Spicker (0 goals, 0 assists, 0 SOG)
M- Jessica Varela (0 goals, 1 assists, 0 SOG)
M- Katie Devlin (0 goals, 0 assists, 0 SOG)
B- Kacie Oliver (0 goals, 0 assists, 1 SOG)
B- Natalie Massey (0 goals, 0 assists, 0 SOG)
B- Kayla Huggins (0 goals, 0 assists, 1 SOG)
B- Lauren Trizna (1 goals, 0 assists, 0 SOG)
GK- Marcia Biddle (11 saves, 3 ga, 78.6%)

Key Reserves:
F- Nikki Glisson (0 goals, 0 assists, 1 SOG)
M- Lindsay Wilshaw (0 goals, 0 assists, 0 SOG)
M- Kristi Dixon (0 goals, 0 assists, 0 SOG)
M- Mackenzie King (0 goals, 0 assists, 0 SOG)