2010 Washington and Lee Women's Soccer Preview
As the Washington and Lee women's soccer team prepares for
the 2010 season, 10th year Head Coach Neil Cunningham has reason to
be excited about his team's prospects.
After finishing the 2009 campaign with a 17-2-3 overall record,
capturing the program's third conference championship
all-time and advancing to the second round of the NCAA Division III
women's soccer tournament, the 2010 Generals will have a
strong base to build on this season.
"It is indeed exciting to be returning so many players that
put together an awesome season in 2009," stated Cunningham.
"However, this year will be an extremely challenging one for
everyone connected to the program. When you start the season as
defending champions everything is different. We will become the
team to beat in the ODAC and must rise to the occasion."
The Generals will return 18 of 23 players from last season's
roster, including two All-America, three all-region and all-state
and five all-conference honorees. Add to the list
Cunningham's honor as the Old Dominion Athletic Conference
(ODAC) and National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)
Atlantic South Region Coach of the Year, and a preseason No. 22
ranking in the NSCAA preseason poll and it's easy to see why
the excitement is buzzing around the team.
"Everyone feels good about our prospects this season,"
remarked Cunningham. "The players certainly have a taste for
success and know what it takes to lift the crown. We will hopefully
be able to draw on last year's experiences as we move through
the season."
Leading the charge for Cunningham will be a defensive unit that
returns most of its starters from last season. The defense led the
conference in shutouts with 16, a mark that also ranked W&L
sixth in the nation. The Generals also tied for the league lead in
fewest goals allowed (11) while finishing second in goals-against
average (0.50).
Starting in goal will be junior Emily Leary, who will also serve as
a team captain. Leary finished last season second in the conference
and 20th in the nation with a 0.54 goals-against average in 22
appearances. She also led the conference with 13 shutouts.
Backing her numbers, Leary was rewarded with a plethora of
post-season honors, including being named the ODAC Player of the
Year and a Second Team All-American. She was also named First Team
All-State by the Virginia Sports Information Directors (VaSID),
First Team All-ODAC and First Team NSCAA All-South Atlantic
Region.
"Leary had a quite remarkable year, both personally and as a
vital member of the team," said Cunningham. "I know she
has set targets for herself and the team and I feel comfortable she
will excel once more and keep things together at the back. At the
same time I know she will not be resting on her laurels as [senior
goalkeeper] Taylor Joosten keeps her on her toes every
day."
Supporting Leary in the defensive third will be fellow All-America
honoree Kat Lawson. As a sophomore last season, Lawson became the
first-ever W&L women's soccer player to be named a First
Team All-American, while also earning First Team All-ODAC and NSCAA
All-South Atlantic Region laurels, and Second Team VaSID All-State
recognition.
"Lawson is an exceptional defender who reads the game well
and makes smart decisions on the field," stated Cunningham.
"Her achievements were well deserved last year and we are
expecting more of the same this campaign as she anchors the
defense."
Joining Lawson will be fellow juniors Page Minton, Heather Deisher
and Kelsy McCraw, along with sophomore Alex Todd.
"One of the major strengths of our program over the last
decade has been our ability to defend as a unit, remarked
Cunningham. "While some players have done well individually,
it is the stellar and dependable play of Minton and Deisher that is
a huge reason for our success keeping teams at bay and allowing us
to win games."
The midfield will lose leadership and offensive punch with the
graduation of Maggie Sutherland and Roz Klann, but in their place
return five of the Generals' top 10 scorers from last season.
Sophomore Ainsley Daigle moves from forward, where she was the
Generals' second-leading scorer last season with 23 points
(9g, 5a).
"Daigle played most of last year out of position to fill a
need for the team and did an unbelievable job as a makeshift
forward," said Cunningham. "Returning to her more
comfortable central midfield position this season will allow her to
run the midfield as an attacking force and she will be a handful
for any opposition."
While Daigle will bring an offensive punch, the midfield will look
for leadership from senior captain Caroline Lamberti. She will be
joined by junior Dory Blackey and 2009 top scorers seniors Taylor Garrett (3g, 1a) and Laura Yungmeyer (2g, 3a) and sophomores Katie Howard (6g, 1a) and Hannah Sackfield (2g, 5a).
"It's a very solid and industrious midfield with
Lamberti leading the way," stated Cunningham. "We are
expecting banner years from [seniors] Yungmeyer and Garrett and I
think Sackfield has the potential to tear defenses apart.
"
On the offensive side, leading scorer and First Team All-ODAC and
NSCAA All-Atlantic South Region honoree Allie Espina will look to
again lead the Generals' offense after registering 26 points
(12g, 2a) last year as a sophomore.
"Espina is a match-winner on her day," remarked
Cunningham. "She can turn defenders inside out and her speed
is a great asset. I truly believe that if she can reach greater
consistency, she can be a major player in the league and on the
national stage."
Espina will be joined by fellow juniors and 2009 top scorers Anne Masich (6g, 2a) and Kat Barnes (2g, 3a), in addition to sophomore
Bess Ruff. Barnes will look to return this season after missing
most of her sophomore campaign due to injury.
"What a delight it is to see Kat back in action and hungry to
make up for lost time," stated Cunningham. "She is a
proven scorer and we are so thrilled to see her back and hopefully
banging in the goals."
Joining the returnees will be a pair of first-year players, Alexis Blight and Jasmine Soo, who Cunningham expects to immediately
challenge for playing time.
"I expect both first-years to seriously challenge our
veterans for significant playing time," said Cunningham.
"Blight is a hard-working central midfield player who will
make a big difference this year, while Soo is a forward that also
works exceptionally hard and we are hoping she can find the net on
many occasions."
The Generals will open their season at Watt Field on Saturday,
September 11 at noon against Sewanee as a part of the Washington
and Lee Invitational.
--GENERALS--
