Women's Soccer Preview
August 06, 2007 08:51 AM | General
By Tim Goodenow for MSNsportsNET.com
August 6, 2007
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The 2006 West Virginia University women’s soccer season was memorable in a number of ways. The program defeated regional foe and nationally ranked Penn State in State College, Pa.; scored the most goals in a single season in school history; produced another All-American in forward Deana Everrett; placed five players on all-BIG EAST teams; won the BIG EAST American Division regular season and competed in its seventh consecutive NCAA tournament.
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| All-American Deana Everrett
All-Pro Photography/Dale Sparks |
“We build on it,” says head coach Nikki Izzo-Brown. “We had another good season last year but we expect to improve on how we finished. This team has set its goals high and we will do everything we can to reach those lofty goals.”
This year’s version of Mountaineer soccer returns 13 letterwinners from the 2006 squad that went 14-4-3 overall, 8-2-1 in BIG EAST play. Nine of the 11 starters also return, giving West Virginia some veteran players with postseason experience.
“We do have some experienced players back, which is always nice,” says Izzo-Brown of her 12th team at West Virginia. “They worked extremely hard in the spring to better themselves individually, and as a team. They will be counted on a great deal to help win games this fall.”
A plethora of newcomers join the rich tradition of West Virginia soccer in 2007. Eight rookies joined the program, including a pair of top rated players in Cassandra Deitrick (Soccer Buzz Top 150) and Megan Mischler (SoccerBuzz Top 75).
“The freshman class is one of the most versatile ever when it comes to overall ability,” describes Izzo-Brown. “These young ladies want to continue our winning tradition and will help us any way possible. They understand the value and importance of hard work and can be counted on to contribute immediately if called upon.”
Guiding this crop of talented and eager Mountaineers are two familiar faces on the sidelines with the additions of Nikki (Garzon) Goodenow and Lisa Stoia to the coaching staff. Goodenow, a former player for Izzo-Brown at WVU, returns for her second stint as an assistant coach and her seventh season overall with the program.
“We are very excited to have Nikki come back into our program,” adds Izzo-Brown. “She always has worked hard and was dedicated to our program, so to get her back is great. I know she will have an impact and play a large roll in our continued success.”
Stoia, a former Mountaineer All-American, returns to her alma mater after two seasons as an assistant coach at Jacksonville University where she helped guide the Dolphins to a 2006 NCAA tournament berth.
“We are thrilled to have Lisa return home to West Virginia,” says Izzo-Brown, teacher of five different WVU All-Americans. “She has done so much for this program already and her enthusiasm will benefit West Virginia University greatly. Lisa was a high-level player at WVU, won a championship at Jacksonville and experienced the NCAA tournament as a player and coach. She will be an invaluable asset for us here.”
With the offensive success in 2006, West Virginia faces a difficult task in surpassing its record-breaking numbers from a season ago. The 55 goals scored marked the most ever by a WVU women’s soccer team, and WVU averaged 22 shots a game compared to just nine shots from its opponents.
Opposing teams will have to defend against multiple goal scorers, WVU’s strongest position in 2007. Seniors Ashley Banks, Kim Bonilla and Kiley Harris return at forward, along with Herman Trophy candidate Everrett. The four combined for 64 percent of last year’s offense, netting 35 goals in 2006.
Bonilla led the conference in game-winning goals during the regular season. She also tied WVU’s single season assist record with 12. Everrett ranked amongst the nation’s top five in goals throughout the season. Her breakout sophomore season concluded with 43 points, second most in school history.
“I am excited to watch the development of our offensive unit this year,” says Izzo-Brown. “We have great leadership with the guidance of Kiley, Kim and Ashley. It should be a very competitive position and productive with such great leadership and the return of Deanna.”
The Mountaineer soccer program has a proud tradition of producing star midfielders and this season should be no exception. The midfield line is anchored in the center by junior Amanda Cicchini, an all-BIG EAST selection in each of her first two seasons in Morgantown.
Alongside Cicchini are experienced players in juniors Greer Barnes, Lisa DuCote and Kelsey Fowler. Each Mountaineer brings something different to the table – size, speed and smarts – to complete a strong midfield presence. The trio, along with sophomore Nicole Mailloux, will all log considerable minutes in helping West Virginia control the tempo of the game.
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| Senior Natalie Cocchi
All-Pro Photography/Dale Sparks |
Also on the backline are skilled returnees in juniors Krystle Kallman and Robin Rushton, and sophomore Carolyn Blank. The trio helped anchor a defense that posted 13 shutouts and allowed just 13 goals in 21 games. Blank was named to SoccerBuzz’s Freshman All-America fourth team for her efforts.
One of the two seniors lost to graduation was record-setting goalkeeper Lana Bannerman. Four goalkeepers appear on the 2007 roster, including three freshmen. The lone returnee is sophomore Mallory Beck. Despite the lack of experience between the posts, Izzo-Brown finds the position to be a competitive one.
“Lana’s departure extends beyond her play in goal, but also with her leadership,” explains Izzo-Brown. “Fortunately, we have several young goalkeepers that want to work hard and compete for time.”
The fall schedule is again gruelling, sporting the Old Gold and Blue against the nation’s toughest teams. The competitive slate is something Izzo-Brown and her team are fully aware of.
“We have a very competitive season ahead of us but this is what we wanted,” says Izzo-Brown. “If you want to be the best, than you truly have to beat the best. There is no better way to test that philosophy than to compete with the teams we have scheduled.”
West Virginia opens up the 2007 campaign at home against Bowling Green on Friday, August 31. Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium, also the site of the 2007 BIG EAST Championships, will play host to 10 home matches this fall. The conference home opener is scheduled for Friday, September 28, against St. John’s and senior day will take place on Sunday, October 28, against Marquette.
WVU will take to the road for eight matches at campus sites, including a matchup at regional foe Virginia on Sunday, September 2. The Mountaineers will play a neutral site game against Texas A&M on Friday, September 14, at Penn State.
“Hosting the 2007 BIG EAST tournament is very exciting for our team, our university and our community,” says Izzo-Brown. “It served as a huge motivational point beginning in the spring and on through the summer. What better way to win a BIG EAST Championship than to do it on our home field?”
