Troy Soccer 2011 Outlook

In his fourth season as head coach of the Troy Women's soccer program, Chris Bentley will be looking to build upon a successful season.

The Trojans had success in 2010, recording the best record in program history at 11-8-1. The 2010 Trojans also saw their second consecutive Sun Belt conference tournament berth.

"This is certainly a new year with a whole new look,” Bentley said. “The past is in the past, and we are dealing with the present. We feel that taking everything one moment at a time and not looking back or forward is in our best interest. We have some talent, and believe that we will have a chance at winning every game we play."

The Trojans will be looking to fill open positions that were held previously by veteran seniors.
Many of the openings are in the Trojans defense in positions formerly held by Ceil Martinec and Carley Zurfluh. Newcomers Georgia Wallis, Karina Moore and Corinne Crowley will be looking to add to returning defenders Sydney Eppler, Anna Owen, Erin Cersley and Kaitlyn Jones.
"We will have a new look in the back, but it is hard to say who will be there!” Bentley said. “We have some returners and some incomers that are all dying for playing time, so it will be fun to see how it all pans out."

The Trojans bring back an exciting attack in the midfield and forward positions.

Forwards Mary Morris, Ruth Sutcliffe and Nikki Stamaris provide an experienced offensive attack for the Trojans.

Despite losing long-time midfield threat Jill Pinder, the Trojans' forwards will be supported by an arsenal of midfielders with Jacqi O'Shea, Maddie Tieken, Samantha Morgan, Kailani Decock, Rochelle Bohuslavicky and Cecilia Thorngren all returning.

That group will have to compete with a strong set of incoming midfielders in Alissa Jones, Chelsey Williams, Katelynn Twilley and Paige McMillan. Jane Latif also returns to the midfield after being redshirted in 2010.

"The team has a strong collection of incoming and returning attacking players that can impact the game,” Bentley said. “All of them are unique in how they play, so it will keep teams on their toes when trying to defend us."

Ashley Branham will return to the goalkeeper position in her senior year as a Trojan who has already broken many school records. She will be supported by returner Caitlin Buono, who saw action towards the end of the 2010 season.

Florida State transfer Madison Winter will bring more competition to the goalkeeping position.

"Goalkeeping is definitely a strong area for us this year,” Bentley said. “We have some much-needed depth that has made training more competitive and we think that will show in their play!"

To build on previous success the Trojans will have to first take on a tougher non-conference schedule.

“Non-conference games are a great way to prepare us for a very difficult
conference schedule,” Bentley said.

The Trojans open with three road games against non-conference opponents Alabama State, Murray State and Louisiana Tech.

Troy fans will catch their first glimpse of the 2011 Trojans at home in the 2011 Trojan Classic. This year's tournament brings in opponents Alcorn State and Nicholls State.

The Trojans' non-conference schedule rounds out with Austin Peay, Presbyterian College, Mississippi State and Jacksonville State.

The conference schedule will not be any kinder to the Trojans. The squad will travel to the pre-season top two Sun Belt teams, Denver and FIU, as well as Florida Atlantic, North Texas and Western Kentucky.

The Trojans will host conference opponents ULM, UL-Lafayette, UALR, Arkansas State, Middle Tennessee and South Alabama.

“Anytime we're at home we have the advantage of having the rest and being comfortable. It's where we train,” Bentley said. “We have a great turnout from our fans, which can really help us be successful.

"Being on the road is great for team chemistry. We don't really view being on the road as a disadvantage, but at the same time being home is a comforting factor for sure.”

Troy University Athletics

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