2002 Alabama Soccer Season Preview
8/27/2002 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
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An offensive explosion is what Alabama head women's soccer coach Don Staley needed from his team and an offensive explosion is exactly what they gave him. The Crimson Tide finished the 2001 season ranked 10th in the country in scoring, averaging 2.67 goals per game and based on the personnel Staley has returning there's no reason to expect much of a drop off for the 2002 season.
The Crimson Tide returns Katie French, Kim Zarzour, Katie Holtzapfel and Michele Evans four of its top six scorers and its entire defensive unit of Jiselle Decker, Missy Keller, Lauren Imwalle and goalie Courtney Rogers, that allowed only 28 goals, the fewest goals allowed by an Alabama team since the 1994 team gave up 17 goals in the season.
Those two factors coupled with what Staley called "the most successful spring season in the history of Alabama soccer" has Alabama fans giddy over the possible success of this year's team.
"I'm anxious about this season, because we've turned the corner on some bad times," said Staley.
In terms of recruiting during the off-season, typically a defensive-minded coach, Staley recruited heavily on the offensive side of the ball.
Staley will also look to the leadership of his upperclassmen who he admits to having a tremendous amount of respect for.
"The senior class is so deserving of a spectacular finish," said Staley. "They came in here as freshmen following our trip to the NCAA Tournament in '98 expecting success. Instead they suffered through an injury plagued '99 season, a sub par 2000 season and then finally tasted some success last year. That kind of commitment is indicative of how they've been during their careers."
The class of 2003 consists of Evans, Keller, Rodgers and Zarzour which pales in size comparison to the size of the junior class which at the time of their recruiting was the largest freshman class in Alabama soccer history.
"I look at this class differently with regards to productivity," said Staley. "They are a mainstay in our future success. They came here during a losing time and have helped turn things around and they done so with class."
The upperclassmen and incoming freshmen alike will all have to work together as the Tide faces one of its more difficult schedules in recent history. Currently on the schedule are five teams that could rank in the Top 20 at the beginning of the season along with some in-state rivalries to help wet the fans' appetites before the always rigorous SEC schedule.
Around the Pitch
Returning Letter winners
The offensive abilities of French, Zarzour and Holtzapfel are unquestionable as are the defensive abilities of Decker, Keller, Imwalle and Rogers. However, ask any member of the Alabama squad and they will tell you that in order for any of them to be successful it starts with their teammates.
Staley has the luxury of looking down his bench and seeing Melissa Montgomery, who he can put there and she will respond with the longest throw or the hardest shot on the team. Another offensive weapon Staley has at his disposal is junior Dawn Nash. Nash came alive during the spring season becoming the Tide's go-to weapon in spring tournaments. Nash has great size and speed and has a tremendous nose for the goal. In the area of speed and fitness, Staley has a plethora of choices between juniors Rebecca Baker and Kristin McRee and sophomores Jeannette Browning and Courtney McCotter. Baker will be asked to play at the midfield position to utilize her speed while McRee, whom Staley says is the fittest player on the team, is quite versatile as she will be called on to perform at various positions on the field. McCotter is also another speedy veteran that is quite "crafty with the ball" according to Staley. Browning has all of the tools to work her way into the rotation with her speed, work-ethic and agility. Junior Elizabeth Jannik also adds to Alabama's offensive depth. She has a nose for the goal and the ability to see shots that other players don't. Katie Nirider is another option for Staley. Nirider is a hard worker who has seen quality action in the past for the Tide, while being somewhat limited due to injury.
On the defensive side of the ball, junior Caroline Bolz, who received last year's 'Most Improved Award', is a steady one-on-one marker and is a solid header. Redshirt freshman Laura Lowman will be Rodgers' back-up in the nets. Lowman made great strides in the area of strength and conditioning and possesses great size.
Newcomers
"I think this year's freshman class will be one that people are talking about years down the road," said Staley. "They have depth, speed and there are about four or five of the ten that could be seen in the starting lineup early on."
Cally Morrill is one of the freshmen Staley referred to as a "possible starter" early on in the season. Morrill has great vision and one-on-one skills while also possessing exceptional passing skills. Fans might often seeing Morrill passing to Kylie Boyd or Libby Probst. Boyd is a tremendous finisher, who brings a blue-collar attitude to every game, while Probst is very good at going to the goal. She's a strong player known for her goal scoring and could be a factor in the lineup early in the season for Alabama.
Leigh Alexander is another offensive threat for the Crimson Tide. Alexander is a confident, explosive player that will be able to hold her own in the physical grind of Southeastern Conference play.
One thing the Tide will miss from last year's senior class will be the legendary throw-in from Ellen Sanders; however, filling in for her will be Jessica Joyner who has long throw and an exceptionally high work rate. She will add to the Tide's depth at the outside midfield position.
Staley says the sleeper of the freshman class this season could very well be Allison DeLisle. DeLisle possesses great size and vision and has a very competitive nature.
Courtney Cockrill will also add to the Crimson Tide's depth at midfield where she will showcase her technical abilities.
Adding local flavor to the Tide's roster is Tuscaloosa native Christel Osberry. Osberry is potentially the fastest player on the team and possesses tremendous size.
Not to be lost in all the offensive abilities of Bama's newcomers are defenders Sara Haight and Lindsay Caton. Haight is a tenacious defender who will see action mostly at the stopper and sweeper positions. She has good skill and vision. Caton gives Alabama more size and strength as Staley says she will progress into a very effective, steady defender.
"I think with the incoming freshmen, the returning starters and the maturity of some of our current players during the spring season, our offensive capabilities are tremendously enhanced," said Staley. "Our defense will continue to be solid. We've got several unsung heroines on defense, but they go out and shut down the other team's best offensive player and get the job done."
