Women's Soccer Opens 2013 Season With High Hopes
BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- The Moravian College women’s soccer team believes firmly in the old adage, success breeds success.
BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- The Moravian College women's soccer team believes firmly in the old adage, success breeds success.
One year after finishing 10-9-2 and making a run to the Landmark Conference title game, the Greyhounds are looking to build on that momentum and realize the dream of becoming conference champions in 2013.
"The expectations are high," said Head Coach Brienne Smith. "After finishing second, we would like to use that momentum to finish first this year. We feel strongly that this group has a lot more depth than last year. That's very important toward to end of the season. We have a ton of options on our bench this year and everyone's very excited."
Moravian also has a strong core of returning starters ready to take the pitch when the fall season kicks off on Friday at the Colonel Classic at Wilkes University. Smith welcomes back co-captains Kirsten Schall and Taylor DiSora.
Schall, a junior midfielder and forward, was named the Landmark Conference Co-Offensive Player of the Year in 2012 after her eight-goal effort. The striker will be gunning for the back of the net again this year, but that's not her only game plan.
"Kirsten is a special player," Smith said. "She's come into camp really motivated and fit. She wants to win very badly. She strikes the ball harder than a lot of men. She knows people have her number now and opponents know she's an unbelievable threat for us, but she's also a playmaker. They can try to take one away, but she's going to be dangerous in one way or another."
DiSora, a dynamic senior midfielder, is hoping to make an impact on both ends of the field in 2013.
"She's in fantastic shape and more confident than ever," Smith said. "She will look to score from distance for us, she has a lot of power on her shot. She's very good defensively, but she would like to contribute to the attack this year."
While a high-powered offensive attack looks to be the Greyhounds strength this season, an eclectic mix of experience and raw talent gives Moravian a solid anchor on defense. The Blue and Grey will be working to replace the services of Eileen Black, the Landmark Defensive Player of the Year who graduated last spring.
Between the posts, senior Genevieve Chaleff returns after starting 12 matches and posting 57 saves in 2012. Sophomore Jacqueline Zalis brings a natural talent to the position and will challenge Chaleff for the position.
"Genevieve has a lot of experience and confidence while Jackie has a lot of potential and raw talent," Smith said of her goalkeeping contingent. "Genevieve has the drive. She knows this team can win championships and she wants to participate in that."
The brand new season came with some brand new faces to the soccer squad. Smith was pleased to see a number of freshmen make an immediate impact during preseason.
Smith wasn't shy about her expectations for the upcoming season. Despite changing their defensive formation from a three-back to a four-back, and with Scranton picked in the preseason poll to repeat as conference champs, the fourth-year head coach has all the confidence in the world.
"This is the best team I've had in my four years here," Smith said.
This fall season could prove to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, which Moravian would like to make into a habit. As part of preseason activities, Smith and her Greyhounds took a trip to Barcelona for a few games, some sightseeing and some team bonding.
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| Greyhounds pose with FC Barcelona after match in early August. |
Moravian played the top three teams in Spain, including the European champions in FC Barcelona. Smith admitted she's never seen competition at that level, and the experience of watching their flawless ball movement was a memorable one. The girls also attended the men's FC Barcelona scrimmage against Santos FC, which the home squad won 8-0.
"We looked excited, fit and in good form," Smith said of the summer excursion. "The trip was a great chance to improve on our chemistry. The women's game here is actually pretty popular, but it's nothing compared to Europe. It was really cool to have them experience soccer as a true passion and way of life by going to a game like that."
Between the trips to historical buildings and beautiful towns, the team found the energy for a little hip-hop.
"They like to free style rap," Smith said. "The clapping will start then someone will chime in with a rap. There were several breakdowns throughout the trip about being tired, or loving what they just saw, or beating Scranton. They're a fun group to be around and they enjoy each other's company. They like to have a good time."
The good times of the regular season begin officially when Moravian takes on Wilkes University on Friday at 2:30 p.m., followed by another 2:30 p.m. start on Saturday when the Greyhounds battle SUNY Brockport at the Colonel Classic.
