Troy University Athletics
Soccer Wraps Up First Full Week of Practice
8/19/2005 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
With the addition of ten athletes to the roster, the Trojans have much more depth than they did a year ago.
It is an extremely competitive environment, because for the first time we have depth in every position,” said Niland. We have had several new players show that they are ready to compete with the returning players for playing time.”
TROY returns eight starters from a year ago. While they have experience, the team remains young, with 15 players in their first or second seasons with the team. Still the Trojans are not lacking for leadership.
Leadership continues to come from Emily Cobb,” said Niland of the senior defender. Cobb is back for her fourth season as a starter, and her third as team captain. A few others have shown signs of leadership through their performance, fitness levels, and effort.”
The Trojans will be the most experienced in defense, juniors Julie Peratt and Melanie Shea along with sophomores Jenny Smith and Meghan Matthews return after holding starting positions in 2004. Sophomore Karlie Bierie will return to the defender position after moving to play forward in 2004. The Trojans also welcome back junior goalkeeper Laura Longard, who recorded 110 saves in 2004 and notched five shutouts. Sophomore Jennifer Currie returns as the backup goalkeeper. Joining the Trojans defense are freshman Cydney Schultz and sophomore Megan Kosiba, who played with Troy in 2002.
In the midfield, TROY returns Vanessa DaCosta and Cobb, who plays both midfield and defender. Rejoining the Trojans are senior Lynn Rankin and sophomore Erin Kniery, who did not play with the Trojans in 2004. Troy also brings in freshmen Evelyn Keith, who redshirted at Auburn in 2004, and AshleyJo Murry into the midfield.
The Trojans will probably see the most change at the forward position. TROY returns sophomore Brittany Stotlz, who led the team with six goals in 2004, and sophomore Jenna Mosher, who led TROY with 10 goals in 2003 and redshirted in 2004. Junior Cathy Truszkowski and sophomore Kristina Murfin also return for TROY. Freshmen Beth McClendon, AshleyJo Murry and Brittany White and senior Teresa Herring are all poised to make an immediate impact in 2005.
We have been working on our possession and speed of play, both of which are better than last year,” said Niland. We've also been getting into some team tactics and shaping our team into the formation and style of play that suits us best. We will be an improved team from last year's."
The Trojans kick off the season on Fri., Aug. 26 against North Dakota State in the Tulane Tournament. TROY then faces host Tulane on Sun., Aug. 28. The Trojans hold their home opener on Fri., Sept. 2, when they host Alabama State.
