Women's Soccer Blog: Energy Surrounds Abam
September 19, 2014 01:30 PM | General
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Freshman Michaela Abam is not one to shy away from her emotions.
The midfielder from Houston sports a mile-wide smile that she flashes to friends, teammates and complete strangers, especially now that she is settled in her new home in Morgantown.
Therefore, Abam’s celebration following her first collegiate goal, the game-winner against Duquesne on Sept. 14, did not surprise many, including Abam herself.
“It was an indescribable feeling,” she said of the moment. “I was happy that I was able to be with my team. It’s been awhile now, so to finally score was (unnerving). I didn’t know what to do, and everyone started running after me. It was nice. I was happy to get one in.”
Abam, a member of the U.S. U-17 Women’s National Team, has come in off the bench in every Mountaineer game this season. A utility player that is comfortable playing most spots on the field, she is fully embracing her time at WVU.
“It’s been awesome – a lot of hard work, emotions and sweat,” she enthused. “Just being with the team and seeing everyone work hard – we’re all building off each other’s work ethic.”
Though the Texas native is focused on a strong nonconference finish for the Mountaineers, she can’t help but look forward to the team’s first Big 12 road trip next weekend.
“I’m super excited,” she said of playing at TCU and at Texas. “I’m excited to see a lot of family and friends, but I’m also excited to get two wins with this team.”
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While the No. 13-ranked Mountaineers continue to work on finishing their shots, coach Nikki Izzo-Brown knows the team is loaded with scoring weapons that can light up the scoreboard on any given day.
Through eight games this season, 14 different Mountaineers have registered at least one point, paced by seven points each from forwards Kate Schwindel (3 G, 1 A) and Kelsie Maloney (2 G, 3 A). Of those 14 student-athletes, 10 have tallied a goal.
Conversely, through eight games in 2013, nine Mountaineers had registered a point, led by a team-best 15 from Frances Silva (5 G, 5 A). Only seven Mountaineers had tallied a goal.
“Anytime you have different weapons and a balance in your attack, it is harder for opposing teams to prepare,” Izzo-Brown explained. “This is what this team needs right now. I do think it’s critical for us to utilize every opportunity we generate to score.”
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Once again, the Mountaineers are one of the Big 12 Conference’s top offensive teams. WVU enters the weekend ranked No. 1 in the conference in shots (166, 20.75 avg.), points (49, 6.12 avg.) and assists (15, 1.88 avg.).
Kansas also is ranked No. 1 in points. Additionally, the Jayhawks lead the league in goals with 19 (2.38 avg.); WVU, Texas and Baylor are tied at No. 2 with 17 (2.12 avg.). WVU also ranks No. 2 in corner kick opportunities (60, 9.75 avg.).
Individually, sophomore midfielder Ashley Lawrence ranks No. 4 in shots (26, 3.25 avg.), while junior forward Kailey Utley follows at No. 5 (25, 3.12 avg.) and Schwindel is tied at No. 10 (18, 3.00 avg.).
Senior defender Jess Crowder and Maloney rank No. 6 in assists (3, 0.38 avg.), and Schwindel and sophomore defender Kadeisha Buchanan rank No. 7 in goals (3, 0.50 avg.).
Additionally, junior goalkeeper Hannah Steadman ranks No. 4 in the Big 12 with three shutouts, the league’s second-best total. Three goalkeepers show four shutouts in 2014.
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Looking for the perfect way to enjoy a fine fall evening? Make your way over to Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium tonight, as the Mountaineers’ (5-2-1) five-match unbeaten streak is on the line against La Salle. Kick is set for 7 p.m.
Tonight is WVU Faculty/Staff Night, and all faculty and staff received a coupon via email for free admission. Tickets for the general public are $5 for adults and just $3 for youth and seniors. Groups of 10 or more can purchase tickets for $2 each.
WVU concludes its eight-match homestand Sunday against Villanova at 1 p.m. It is a “Dollar Day,” with all tickets, hot dogs, popcorn and Coca-Colas available for $1 each. Additionally, a postgame clinic is scheduled, with kids 13 and under who attend the match are invited to a free clinic at Dreamswork Field following the competition. Also, the match is “Camper Reunion Day,” and all women’s soccer campers from this past summer are asked to wear their camp t-shirt to the game.
A free WVU shuttle bus will be available from the Mountainlair and the Brooke/Braxton Towers loop for an hour leading up to Sunday’s start time. Return service to the Mountainlair and the Brooke/Braxton Towers loop also will be available for an hour at the conclusion of the match.
Don't forget fans - a FREE WVU Soccer Clinic immediately following Sunday's match. Free food, too! #HailWV pic.twitter.com/oaMmcdFcuU
— WVU Women's Soccer (@wvuwomenssoccer) September 18, 2014
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