2007 Women's Soccer Preview
The 2006 season was not an easy one for head coach Rolf Zersen and the Milwaukee School of Engineering women's soccer team. The Raiders finished the season with a 2-15 mark, but are looking ahead to 2007, when they hope to build on the lessons learned a year ago.
The team will be a balanced mix of veterans and newcomers; Zersen expects to have eight seniors and eight freshmen on the roster this year, with two sophomores and a junior rounding out the team.
Jump-starting the offense will be a primary task in 2007. The Raiders were a second-half team a year ago, scoring 12 of their 20 goals in the second half and seven in overtime play. Three scores came off corner kicks, and the Raiders averaged 10.6 shots per game.
Leading the offensive charge in 2007 will be senior Vickie Georgakas (Greenfield, Wis.). A midfielder/forward, Georgakas recovered from a season-ending knee injury in 2005 to start all 17 games and led the team in scoring with six goals - including a game-winner against Rockford College on September 26, 2006.
"Vickie is a mainstay at MSOE," Zersen said. "She is among the top leading scorers in history at MSOE and is extremely important to our team. She helps to make our attack click by providing dangerous balls to our forwards as well as the ability to create her own dangerous situations for the opposing team. She possesses top ball control and has the ability to beat players one on one.
"She will really help as a captain with her leadership ability for the quality incoming freshmen."
Other returning seniors include Andrea Baker (Racine, Wis.), who scored three goals in 2006, Toni Cannova, and defender Laura DeBuck. Zersen is looking to Baker, who will take the field as a senior captain this season, to provide a solid backbone to a young defense.
"She is a bull to beat in the back," Zersen says. "With her speed and hard tackling she helps to keep us in games through raw effort. As a captain for the upcoming year, she will provide a positive leadership role that will allow our new players to feel comfortable and grow."
Also returning in 2007 is senior goalkeeper Leah Kutz (Milwaukee, Wis.). Kutz, who also scored one goal last year while playing at the forward position, started eight games in the net for MSOE and made 103 saves. Her versatility will play a major role in the program's success this season, and Zersen plans to use her in a variety of roles, depending on the situation.
"She is extremely determined to have our team do well and puts all of her effort to do that," Zersen said. "Leah is an outstanding goalkeeper who has really helped to solidify our defense. In addition, she has great athleticism that allows her to be an attacking player. With her speed and tenacity she not only sets up quality opportunities, but she has a knack for the goal. She will be used in both situations when needed."
Zersen expects to lean heavily on a talented crop of incoming freshman that will push veteran players for playing time this season. Erin Vandenlangberg (Neenah, Wis./Neenah HS) and Megan Gloor (Racine, Wis./Racine Horlick HS) will challenge Kutz for a spot in goal. Vandenlangberg also has the ability to play out on the field. Molly Rassmussen is a season player with experience in the midfield, but was a sweeper on her St. Mary's Central High School team. Zersen expects her to solidify and lead a young Raiders' defense.
All the incoming freshmen have the ability to turn MSOE soccer around while playing with all the quality veterans on this team," Zersen said. "It's just a matter now of getting the team to click. They all have the knowledge and experience to help greatly in all facets of the game."
