2007 Bloomsburg Women's Soccer Preview

For Bloomsburg University women’s soccer coach Sandy Dickson, last year held a lot of positives despite the team missing the playoffs.

To begin with, the team’s top three scorers were all freshmen, giving the Huskies something to build on for the future. In addition, the team’s starting goalkeeper also returns giving the team some veteran leadership on the defensive side of the ball.

"It is always a positive thing when your top scoring threats are underclassmen," said Dickson. "Now we need them to build upon the experiences gained last year and become even bigger threats with the ball this season."

"Also, we have strong veteran leadership on the defensive side of the ball," Dickson added. "We allowed just 25 goals last year and I am looking for an even better defensive effort this season. If we can come along offensively and take our defense up a level, we could definitely be a factor in the post-season"

Dickson, who recorded her 100th career win last year, knows that she also needs to successful, a team needs annually needs an infusion of talent. For the Huskies, the 2007 recruiting class is a strong one and will play a key role this year.

"We have some newcomers who I expect will step in right away and play for us," said. "Overall, I am looking forward to a very good season."

In goal, the Huskies feature very strong performers in seniors Brittany Moses and Robin Gerber. Moses, voted one of the team captains, will be the favorite to start in goal after having her strongest season yet in the net in 2006.

In the backline, defenders Angela Brown and Meg Lynch had very impressive spring seasons, while Eileen Alexander, who started 16 games a year ago, will play both in the back and the midfield this season.

MIDFIELD

Look for the midfield to be one of the strongest areas for the Huskies. Sophomore Kelly Modes returns after a great freshman campaign which saw her lead the team in goals with six and in points with 14; while Christine Wason had a great spring season at the attacking midfield role. Jourdan Fedusenko is a very versatile player who had a strong freshman season. Karen Lindell is a very technical and smart player who can distribute well. Suzie Wade, third on the team in scoring last year, is a competitor who continues to get better as a forward or midfielder, Jen McLean is a walk-on in the spring and impressed the coaches enough to challenge for a starting job. Mary Sciacchetano has very high fitness level and won’t back down from anyone.

ATTACK/FORWARDS

A good attack is the key to any successful team and Bloomsburg will feature some very good athletes here. Lauren Hess is an athletic, powerful outside shooter, while Ashley Brucker, voted as a team captain this season, is probably the purest athlete on the team. Also, Jess Bender hard-working player with a nose for the net and will look to challenge for a starting position. Also, look for Meg Donlon, from Randolph High School, Kelsey Stoka and Katie Staubs to compete for time on the forward line.

NEWCOMERS

Recruits that may make an immediate impact include a very athletic, forward Katie Staubs. She has good speed and a nose for the goal. Expected to impact on the backline will be freshman Kristine Preski, a centerback from perennial high school soccer power Owen J. Roberts High School. Preski possesses good defensive ability. Another strong high school player is Sierra Witmer who led Line Mountain in goal scoring. Meg Donlon will look to earn time in the midfield or at forward. She comes from a strong high school program where she was known to score goals in high-pressure situations and is very strong and athletic. Versatile freshmen include Kelsey Stoka and Kathleen Paiva will also battle for playing time.

The Huskies will once again face a challenging schedule, but Dickson feels the Huskies can challenge for post-season play.

"The PSAC East is very tough again with several teams having a legitimate shot at winning the division," said Dickson. "If we can get the newcomers to blend in well with the returning players, we could be a very tough team."