WSOC | Strong Defense Once Again Key For SMC
8/18/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
MORAGA, Calif. — A strong, fortified defense will once again be the anchor of the Saint Mary's women's soccer team's game plan this season, as it returns its starting goalkeeper and four letterwinners on the back line, as well as adding plenty of fresh talent.
The Gaels were in the top half of the West Coast Conference last season in goals allowed (1.10 per game) and posted a 1.02 Goals Against Average with seven shutouts on the year. Senior goalkeeper Julia McDonald returns after playing in all 20 matches a year ago, posting a sub-1.00 GAA (0.99) and finishing second in the WCC with 92 saves.
This year, what we're really going to have to focus on is just communication because our back line is pretty new," said McDonald about the upcoming season. "But I think there are a lot of players ready to step up. (Valerie) LaForge is coming back, Jasmine Edwards, we got her, and then adding our freshmen in, I think we're going to be in a really good spot. We're just going to have to really focus on our communication and clear those balls.
I had a pretty good season last year, but I want to beat that. I want to up myself on the shutouts. Goals, as a goalie is just always, ‘Don't get scored on.' That's my goal always, (that) every game is a shutout. That's what I'm hoping for every game."
(McDonald) came in last year and did really well," said Saint Mary's head coach Travis Clarke about SMC's returning goalkeeper. "She entered this preseason really fit and ready to play. She's healthy and she's a really athletic shot-stopping goalkeeper. She's going to do very well for us this year."
Key newcomers for the Gaels on defense in 2016 will include Jessica Ko, Zoe Papike, Anna Parker and Madison Umidon. Returning letterwinners Edwards, Jaslyn Guillen, Jessica Imbrie, and LaForge, will all bring important experience to the back line.
Jasmine Edwards was a freshman last year and started most of our games. She's somebody coming that we think we can play at center back or outside back," said Clarke. "She's just an elite athlete. It's going to be really hard for opponents to get in behind her in those spaces. We're really excited with her development."
It's scary but I'm so ready for it," said Parker about playing a role in her first collegiate season. "You don't always hear about a freshman coming in and stepping in right away, but I was prepared for it, the coaches have prepared me for it and I've been doing extra work to do the best I can for the team.
Someone I work with a lot is Val LaForge. She is someone who I talk to and helps me out and communicates with me . And (Julia McDonald), our keeper, understanding where she wants me, those two have been really big in guiding me through the process."
The Gaels' 2016 season begins Friday at Cal State Fullerton. Sunday, SMC faces UC Irvine. Both games are part of a season-opening six-match road trip that will take the Gaels to Southern California and Hawaii before opening their home schedule on Sept. 9 versus East Bay rival California.
Season tickets and single-match tickets are available for all Saint Mary's home matches. Purchase tickets by visiting SMCGaels.com or by calling the Saint Mary's ticket office at 925-631-GoTx.
We're going to be built on hard work and effort and a team-first philosophy," said Clarke. "We're based on hopefully outworking our opponents every game. This year we have a lot more experience, a lot more athleticism, a lot more talent up front, a lot more depth. I think we're going to be a little more exciting to watch from a fan perspective this year."
FOLLOW ALONG
For up-to-date news, photos, videos and other features you can follow Saint Mary's College varsity athletic teams on Twitter (@SMCGaels), Instagram (@SMCGaels) and Facebook (Facebook.com/SMCGaels). You can also watch great video on-demand highlights and features as well as most Gaels sporting events live via GaelVision on SMCGaels.com.
SUPPORT THE GAELS
A gift to the Gael Athletic Fund directly benefits Saint Mary's student-athletes. This allows them the opportunity to attain an education guided by our Catholic, Lasallian and Liberal Arts traditions while participating in a competitive athletic experience. Monies raised through the Fund will assist in funding scholarships, facilities, operating budgets and academic support.
Players Mentioned
D
/ Women's SoccerD
/ Women's SoccerD
/ Women's SoccerD
/ Women's SoccerWSOC | Game Highlights vs. Oregon State
Friday, November 07
WSOC | Theresa Romagnolo Halftime Interview at MBB vs. St. Thomas
Tuesday, November 04
WSOC | Sydney Middaugh Game-Winning Goal vs. Pacific
Sunday, November 02
WSOC | Emmie Ennnis Game-Winner vs. Pepperdine
Saturday, October 25
