Aug. 27, 2008

Garden City, N.Y. - The Adelphi University Women's Soccer team is glad to be home. After a one-year absence from the Garden City campus, the Panthers returns to the newly constructed Outdoor Complex and Stiles Field for the 2008 season. However, they open their season on the road against the University of New Haven tomorrow afternoon.

"Great things are happening at Adelphi," Ilsley said. "We are very excited to return and to play in the new facility. It's great for the seniors and its also setting a great new tradition for our freshmen and sophomores.

Last year's displacement was a challenge for the team, but one they embraced. The Panthers finished the 2007 season with a 12-6 overall record and a NCAA Tournament berth, their fifth in the last six years. "I thought we did well last year considering we had to practice and play off campus," Ilsley added.

The post-season journey was short-lived as Adelphi took an early exit in the first round. Coach Ilsley feels that this year's squad should be able to improve upon that showing and their goal is to get that chance. " Last year we got in but we did not utilize the opportunity," Ilsley said.

Key to the Panthers' success will be a versatile group. While in the past few years, the Panther defense has been instrumental to their success, the lack of scorers has taken its toll, most apparently last season. "We couldn't put teams away early," Ilsley stated. "We could shut them down, but if they found a hole, they could slip thru a shot. This year with everyone healthy, offensively we should be able to capitalize more on our opportunities."

Adelphi lost only six letterwinners, including four-year starters Christine Conway and Denise Auer. However with five newcomers and an already solid nucleus of returning players, the Panthers are in a good position.

Conway and Auer return to Adelphi, but as graduate assistant coaches. They are joined by all-region defender Josefa Pace `04. All three veterans bring a wealth of post-season experience with each participating on the 2004 NCAA team that advanced to the championship round. "They bring a tradition of winning to the program," Ilsley explained. "We are glad to have them back."

Also joining the staff is Joe Zydor, former head women's soccer coach at NYIT. "Joe brings over 25 years of coaching experience to Adelphi. He is a great addition to our staff."

Forward/Midfield
Senior captain Erin Klimkowski returns full force to the Panther line-up this year. Back from injury last season, she appeared in 17 games yet started in just two. She managed five goals and two assists despite limited play. "Erin is great in transition and quick to turn with the ball," Ilsley said. "She is very composed and will take a leadership role this year.

Senior Erin Klimkowski

Straddling the line between forward and midfield is junior Caitlin Morrison. For the past two seasons, Morrison has led the team in scoring, contributing nine goals and two assists in 2007. "Caitlin is a tremendous player. Work ethic is impressive. From freshman year to now, she has improved immensely. She is much more physical and has adjusted her game to fit college play. She is fast, makes good decisions and is good in 1-on-1 situations."

Junior Amanda Popoli played mostly in back as a defender last year and could see more time in the midfield. "Amanda came in with a good spring. She has really good technique and footwork."

Junior Karen Roveto saw action in all 18 games last season and will provide support on the outside as a flank player. "Karen plays with a good pace and has quick feet. She has good ability to take on an opponent 1-on-1.

Senior captain Lauren Slattery started in 17 of 18 games played. She also likes to go solo against an opponent. "Lauren is very creative and has quick feet. She is fun to watch in 1-v-1 situations."

Junior Brittany Hess and sophomore Brianne McDonnell were starters for the Panthers last season and should be in the mix again. Hess is a hard worker who performed well in the spring. "Brittany reads the game well and has quick feet and good vision."

McDonnell had a solid freshman campaign, appearing in all 18 games for six goals and three assists. "Brianne has quick feet as well. She has good ideas with the ball and plays with a good pace."

Senior captain Amanda Rodriguez looks to have more of a presence this year. Hampered by injuries, she saw time in only six games last season. "A-Rod has great ability and a powerful shot on goal. We are looking for a good senior campaign from her."

Sophomore Jessica Baisley got a good taste of college soccer, participating in 17 games last season for two goals. In addition to fighting for minutes upfront, she could see time in the midfield. "Jess had a pretty good preseason and has come to play."

Sophomore Kim Volinski did not play in 2007, sitting out due to injury. " Kim will be competing for a role up top and could see action in the midfield as well."

Junior Kayte Kinsley

Sophomore Annie Braseth saw action in ten games and will vie for playing time "Annie has good vision and is a technically sound player."

Sophomore Emily Dunne is coming back from an ACL injury that limited her time to only seven games last season. Coach Ilsley was impressed with her work in the spring and during the preseason. " Emily is a tough player and is physically solid who has worked hard to recover from injury."

Newcomers to the Panther midfield are sophomore transfer Jessica Aldarondo (Larchmont, N.Y.) and freshmen Alicia Gibbons and Danielle Bottaro (Southington, Conn.). All three will fight for playing time. Aldarondo played one year at the University of Bridgeport, appearing in nine games.

"Gibbons is quick and athletic. She has good ideas with the ball. Danielle is very versatile and could play from the midfield to up front."

Defense
The Panthers defense was key to the team's success in 2007, holding their opponents to to a mere 18 goals on just 176 shots. Adelphi returns all of its defenders including senior captain Theresa Ennis and junior Elise Maniguet, both were mainstays in the back for the Panthers last season starting in all 18 games.

"Theresa plays with a lot of poise and maturity and has great vision. She is also great in the air. "

Maniguet scored four points last season, picking up one goal and two assists in the process. She has become an indispensable part of the Panther line-up. "Elise is making better and better decisions as she matures into her position."

Senior captain Amanda Herrera also brought in points for Adelphi last season (2G). An ACL surgery over the summer sidelined her for a bit, but she has been working very hard to come back. "Amanda is a strong player and very athletic. We are glad that she's going to be back for us this season."

Sophomore Kristin Dexter had a good first year, seeing time in 11 games with nine starts. "Kristin is a great tackler. She is a patient defender and reads the game very well."

Junior Kayte Kinsley started in 11 of 18 games played last season and should be a solid defender again this year. A tough player, she goes all out all of the time. "Kayte is another defender that is great in the air. She is patient yet very tenacious."

Sophomores Michelle Mormile, Perscia Palazzo and Brianna Stidsen round out the returning defenders. They saw limited time in 2007 and will all be vying for playing time. "Michelle has decent technique and a high work rate. Brianna works really hard and is a solid defender."

Freshman Ashley Winter will most likely miss the 2008 season due to an ACL injury.

Goal
One of the most notable losses for this season is that of Conway in goal. She logged 6988 minutes in the net for the Panthers over her four-year career and with 54 wins, ranks second all-time in career wins behind assistant coach Kara Gazzano (59).

Sophomore Angela Matinale saw limited time in 2007, but has had a good spring and has worked on her game. "Angela was raw coming in as a freshman. She has refined the technical aspects of her game and this has helped her overall performance."

Fighting for playing time will be freshman Dorothy Connolly (Bethpage, N.Y.), a product of Long Island Lutheran High School. "Dorothy has solid skills. She is a vocal player with good hands. Both Angela and Dorothy will be competing for starting time in goal."

Schedule
The new NCAA regional alignment kicks in this year and while it hasn't changed the Panthers schedule much from the previous year, there is an automatic NCAA bid at stake for the conference champion. "Our strength of schedule was key for us last year. Our schedule is good and prepares us for the move to the Northeast-10 conference next year."

Sophomore Karen Roveto

Adelphi opens the season with back-to-back NE-10 teams, beginning with former ECC foe, the University of New Haven, on August 28. The Panthers host Bentley College in their season home opener on August 31.

Adelphi travels to Philadelphia University on September 4, followed by a home contest versus Saint Rose, nationally ranked 9th in the Pre-Season NSCAA/Adidas DII rankings.

A competitive conference schedule begins on September 13 when Adelphi hosts cross-town foe, and #15 ranked C.W. Post in their first night game on the new field, which is sure to attract a good crowd.

New to the schedule this year are Assumption on September 20 and Southern New Hampshire with the regular season finale on October 31. "Both games are good for regional play," Ilsley explained.

The ECC Tournament is scheduled for November 7 and 9, and after not making it in last season and waiting the at-large bid, the Panthers don't want to take any chances. A post-season berth is at stake and Adelphi plans to be ready. "This is our last year in the ECC and we want to make it a memorable one," Ilsley said. "You always want to do well in the conference, but our goal every year is to get back to the NCAA Tournament," Ilsley explained. "We want to get in, whether we win the conference auto bid or the at-large."