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2004 Bloomsburg University Women's Soccer Preview

The Bloomsburg University women's soccer team begins the 2004 season with high expectations following last year's sub-par season.

A year after failing to make the PSAC playoffs for the just the second time in school history, coach Sandy Dickson feels this year's team has the skill and depth necessary to make a run at another PSAC championship.

“We are as deep as we have ever been,” said Dickson. “The team is very determined and focused on a goal of making it to the PSAC Playoffs. We have that potential and we expect to be there. Anything less would be a disappointment.”

OFFENSE

The Bloomsburg offense struggled at times to score goals last year. However, that is going to change this year according to Dickson.

“We are going to play a very offensive oriented system with three players up top with an additional three to six players committed into the box to really outscore the opponent,” Dickson added.

Leading the returning players will be Michelle Carmosky (9g, 2a last season) who was the team's leading scorer before suffering an injury. Also, Becky Ritter (5g, 0a), Alex Totino, Amanda McLaughlin and Sarah Fick are all capable of putting the ball in the back of the net.

In addition, Erin Snyder is back with the Huskies this season after sitting out all of last year with an injury.

“Carmosky, Snyder, Fick, McLaughlin, Totino and Ritter will lead the offense for us (Bloomsburg),” Dickson continued. “Our offensive philosophy this year will be put as many as six people in the box, and defensively trying to pressure the other teams backs. “We have a mix of individual styles up front which makes us more balanced. “Totino has the heart of a lion and is one of our emotional leaders.” “ Michelle, Sarah, Erin, Becky, Amanda all can score goals and can defend at a high level. I expect the group up top to bond as a unit and to do whatever it takes to finish on our offensive opportunities.”

A strong recruiting class will also help the Huskies led by Christine Mongelli (115g, 36a) and Lauren Hess (69g).

“I expect Mongelli and Hess to contribute right away for us,” said Dickson. “They both have very good finishing skills.”

MIDFIELDERS

One of the strong areas historically for the Huskies has been the midfield area. The 2004 season will be no exception with players such as Kelly Salvaterra (2g, 1a) Jen Fico, Kate Holden, Jill Huffman returning to the lineup and freshmen like Brittany McKew adding tremendous depth.

“Look for some of our midfielders to be involved offensively ,” Dickson said. “ I have been impressed with McKew and Hess in camp in terms of their tactical sense and physical play. They will be contributing as well.”

BACK

With an untested goalkeeper manning the net, the play of the defense will be key for the Huskies. Several returning players will battle for time along with a strong group of freshmen.

Leading the returning group is Jackie Shaw (0g, 1 a) along with Rebecca Callen (0g, 3 a), Jill Docherty (2g, 0a) and Lindsay Knupp (1g, 0a). Look for sophomore Christine Mazurek to also make contributions this fall. Also possibly playing in the back will be senior Nicole Yerkes. “Yerkes is playing the best soccer of her career. She came into camp physically strong, and has speed, and all the tools to have a great senior year..”

“We don't have a set starting lineup and I will fill in our system with whoever is filling the roles within our system .”.

GOALKEEPING

It will be a battle of freshmen in camp to determine the starter. Robin Gerber and Brittany Moses are both capable players with very good high school and club credentials. After having just one keeper a year ago, Dickson is looking forward to the luxury of two keepers.

“There was a lot of pressure last year with just one keeper,” said Dickson. “Having two gives the program some flexibility.” “ They both have been great in camp. Their work rate, and vocal leadership have been fantastic.”

OVERALL

“Our conference (PSAC) will once again be tough,” Dickson added. “There are many strong teams in the league and the team that wins the conference title will be the one which gets hot at the end of the year.” “We are going to the split schedule for the first time as well, so we hope to finish at the top of the east.”

“Overall, though, we (Bloomsburg) are in a better place than we were last year,” commented Dickson. “Having gone through lots of adversity though, I feel, has made us a better team. I am anxious to get things going this season.”