MSOE women's soccer 2010 season preview
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Published: 08/03/2010 |
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With a roster full of experience, the MSOE women's soccer team will be in the hunt for the Northern Athletics Conference (NAC) championship. The Raiders finished fifth in the NAC in 2009 with a record of 10-8-3 overall and 7-3-1 in conference and advanced to the semifinals of the NAC Tournament.
"We have a very good senior class that has the experience to lead the way," said head coach Rolf Zersen who enters his seventh season at the helm.
That senior class includes midfielder Mindy Donald (Fredonia, Wis./Ozaukee) who named to the First Team All-NAC in 2009. Donald set the MSOE record for most assists in a season in 2008 with 14. Every member of this year's senior class played in at least 18 games last season. In their career, MSOE's six seniors have played in a combined 319 games and started 303.
"I see us as a challenger to the conference, however it is up to the team," Zersen said. "If they want it, they can achieve greatness. Last year we ended in fifth place and did well in the conference playoffs. This team is anxious to prove themselves and the seniors want to go out with a bang."
Senior forward/midfielder Heidi Brehmer (Eagle River, Alaska/Chugiak) is tied for third in career goals in MSOE history (29) and was selected to the First Team All-NAC in 2007 and Second Team All-NAC in 2008. Senior defender Allison Plank (Appleton, Wis./Appleton West) received NAC Honorable Mention status last season after starting all 21 games in 2009.
Midfielder Colleen Krechel (Port Washington, Wis./Port Washington), defender Sarah Kislia (Janesville, Wis./Janesville Craig) and forward/goalie Erin VandenLangenberg (Neenah, Wis./Neenah) round out the Raiders' senior class.
"My expectations are that our team is united," Zersen said. "I want to have a team that enjoys playing hard, sacrificing for each other and is willing to do the unseen. Unselfish play and commitment are goals for this team. With some hard work and team camaraderie, this team can go far."
Junior midfielder/forward Jessica Axt (Germantown, Wis./Germantown) is already the leading goal scorer in MSOE history with 33 goals including 13 during the 2009 season. Junior defender Karina Weideman (Waukesha, Wis./Waukesha West) and junior midfielder Jamie Janczak (Germantown, Wis./Germantown) were selected to the Second Team All-NAC last season. Janczak scored eight goals and logged seven assists in 2009.
Junior midfielder/defender Melanie Monreal (Greendale, Wis./Greendale) has started all 41 games in her MSOE career.
Time in goal will be split between VandenLangenberg and sophomores Emma Lumpe (Lawrence, Kansas/Lawrence) and Brittany Charles (Green Bay, Wis./Green Bay East). Lumpe was selected to the NAC All-Freshman as well named Honorable Mention.
Zersen believes his team learned valuable lessons during the 2009 season.
"The biggest lesson was to take the chances when given the opportunity," Zersen said. "Nothing is given to you. There were numerous games where we started to play a little too late. That is a tough lesson but also very important to a team that wants to be recognized among the best in the conference and state."
The newest members of the Raiders are expected to contribute right away to MSOE's success.
"The biggest thing I expect is that all the freshmen will learn in their first year through practice sessions and time on the field in preparation for the graduation of a celebrated senior class," Zersen said.
The Raiders begin their 2010 season against Carroll University at Uihlein Soccer Park September 1 and the NAC schedule starts September 11 against Rockford College, also at Uihlein Soccer Park.
