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Aug. 21, 2007 Garden City, N.Y. - The Adelphi University women's soccer team kicks off its 2007 campaign this Thursday, August 23, at The College of St. Rose. The Panthers, which are predicted to finish second in the just released ECC Coaches Poll, have their sights set on returning to the NCAA Tournament. 2007 Season Preview The Adelphi University women's soccer team which finished the 2006 season with 12 wins and just one loss en route to capturing its second East Coast Conference (ECC) Tournament Title in three years, the Panthers fell short of their goals. A record-setting six ties proved to be the demise for the squad, which found the team sitting out of the NCAA Tournament for the first time in five years. "We were extremely disappointed in how last year ended, Head Coach Rich Ilsley said. "After the team got over the disappointment, we used it as a motivating factor. It's a humbling experience [not to make the NCAA Tournament] and we realized how special it is to be selected." The Panthers struggled and found themselves in six overtime decisions, including the ECC Tournament. "We didn't put teams away the way we should have. We knew we were better than some of those teams but we didn't put them away early," Ilsley stated. The 2007 team must also account for the loss of seven seniors, five of whom were starters. In their place, 17 letterwinners return, including two all-conference selections. Coach Ilsley, now in his 17th season at the helm of the Panther program, has been in this situation before. Coupled with significant changes to the Panther line-up, the team must also deal with the added challenge of playing its games off campus. In May 2007, Stiles Field, the only home of the women's soccer team for the past 25 years, was closed to make way for a new Outdoor Complex slated to open in 2009. While most of the team's schedule is away matches, its home field for the 2007 season will be Tully Park in New Hyde Park, New York. The team appears to have embraced the challenge and with so many new faces, see the road trips as bonding opportunities. "At the end of last year we had to train away from home so it has prepared the returning players and the newcomers will be fine. It hasn't been an issue and we are growing accustomed to it." "We are looking forward to it and we are mentally tough. It has only affected us positively"
Forward
Morrison will be looked upon to make even more strides in her development. "Caitlin is quick and has great pace. She gets herself in good spots and will be a factor," Ilsley added. Making the move up top will be sophomore Kayte Kinsley who started in 17 games last year. "Kayte gets herself into good position and does what it takes to score goals. She has a wide variety of finishing techniques." Junior Amanda Rodriguez made one start in 12 appearances and should be called on to step in. "Amanda has good instincts and a good feel for the game." Returning to the Panther roster after a two-year absence is senior Jackie Walsh. "Jackie has dedicated herself and is physically and mentally fit. She has good ideas with or without the ball and finishes well." Freshman Kim Volinski (Greenport, N.Y.), according to Coach Ilsley has a style similar to that of Klimkowski and Morrison and has the potential to be first off the bench. "Kim is a good athlete with quick feet and should be a solid contributor," Ilsley stated. Freshman Jessica Baisley (Shoreham-Wading River, N.Y.) could see time off the bench. "Jessica has good vision, good instincts and solid movement off the ball."
Midfield
Adelphi's midfield is in good shape, returning three of four starters. Senior co-captain Denise Auer returns as the veteran for the Panthers and Coach Ilsley is looking to her to have a break out year. Auer, a first-team All-ECC selection, ranked second on the team in scoring last season with 13 points (5G, 3A). "Denise is a tremendous athlete with very quick feet and is dangerous with the ball. She has all the tools and we are looking for her to be the player she can be and has been." Appearing in all 18 games last season, sophomore Brittany Hess will transition from forward to midfield and will be looked upon to step in and be an impact player. "Brittany is a technically and tactically sound player. She has a great range of passes and strikes a solid ball." Senior Kristin Waldman appeared in nine games last season with one assist, but Coach Ilsley would like to see more of an impact from her this season. " Kristin is a very hardworking, steady and consistent player. She has prepared herself well for the season." Junior Lauren Slattery saw action in 18 games with three starts, and made it count, racking up three goals and three assists. Coach Ilsley would like to see her take on a greater role and hopefully become a 90-minute player. "Lauren is quick and dynamic with solid 1 v. 1 ability." Junior Marissa Cannella should see more time in both the midfield and back this season, after seeing action in nine games last season for two goals and one assist. "Marissa is a positive team player with a solid foundation of technical ability." Sophomore Amanda Popoli saw time in 18 games with one start, for one goal and one assist and Coach Ilsley definitely sees her as a vital contributor. "Amanda has quick feet and solid technique and has a wide variety and range of passes." Sophomore Karen Roveto appeared in 11 games last year for one assist and is still developing her ideas and tactical knowledge. "Karen is a very strong athlete with good technical ability." Joining the midfield are freshmen Annie Braseth (Kalispell, MT), Emily Dunne (Fairfield, CT) and Brianne McDonnell (Commack, N.Y.). Coach Ilsley sees Braseth, who at 5-8, adds good height to the line-up, as being an immediate contributor. "Annie is strong and has good vision with solid technical skills." Dunne is transitioning back after a torn ACL and is working her way back into the game both physically and mentally. "Emily is a good athlete with solid technique," Ilsley explained. "Her impact will probably be felt more next year." McDonnell's speed and vision will be a plus as well. "Brianne has great ideas, poise and composure on the ball with a solid finishing ability."
Defense Junior Amanda Herrera will transition from midfield to the backfield this year. Herrera appeared in all 19 games for one goal and three assists and Coach Ilsley wants her to focus on being more patient and composed. "Amanda is very strong and athletic and a solid tackler with good ideas with the ball."
Junior Theresa Ennis saw action in 17 games and had a great second half of the season. "Theresa is a very smart defender who gets herself into very good positions. She is great in the air and a good distributor of the ball." Sophomore Elise Maniguet, a solid, tenacious defender, started in 17 games in 2006. Coach Ilsley sees her as a large part of the team's success in the back. "Elise is a tremendous athlete who has improved on her decisions and distribution and has a great range of passes," Ilsley said. Freshman Kristen Dexter (Beacon, N.Y.) could contribute at outside back as a probable starter, showcasing more advanced technical and tactical ability than the coaches expected this early. "Kristin is a tremendous athlete and has a style similar to that of Elise [Maniguet]." Freshman Perscia Palazzo (East Meadow, N.Y.) could see time off the bench for Adelphi. "Perscia reads situations well and needs to continue to develop," Ilsley stated. Freshman Michelle Mormile (Guilford, CT), Brianna Stidsen (Shrewsbury, MA) and Kelsey Worth (Gray, ME) are all walk-ons vying for playing time. Coach Ilsley sees all three as needing to develop more of their tactical ability and distribution skills. "Michelle has decent technique. Brianna is a very hard-working and good tackler who is strong on the ball and Kelsey has a similar work ethic." Goal Senior co-captain Christine Conway, a mainstay in goal, returns for her final year. Last season she posted an 0.52 goals against average, including nine shutouts. She has been working hard during the spring and summer to improve her game and the coaches are impressed with her progress. "Christine's game is very sharp right now. She has improved her weaknesses and embraced her role as leader," Isley said.
Freshman Angela Matinale (Port Washington, N.Y.) could see time at this coveted spot, but needs to refine her technique and positioning skills. "Angela is a raw talent with very good game knowledge." Schedule There will be more NE-10 schools on the schedule this season, beginning with back-to-back contests against two 2006 NCAA participants. Adelphi's opens the season on August 23 at the College of St. Rose, a team they last played in 1999. Three days later, the Panthers travel to Bryant College on August 26. Concordia College on September 12 marks the first ECC school on the schedule. Adelphi will host St. Thomas Aquinas on September 18, its first home event of the year. The final three games of the season will take place at Tully Field, beginning with the University of New Haven on October 20th. The season finale has the Panthers meeting the Rams of Philadelphia University on October 27. The ECC Tournament takes place on November 2 and 4 with the NCAA bid foremost in the minds of the players. "We have a lot of people stepping into new roles this year and how they handle and grasp that will be key," Ilsley explained. "We have the pieces and the talent, but how players fit into those roles will be a challenge." |
