2007 Soccer Preview: Postion Breakdown
8/29/2007 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Editors Note: This is the final of a three part preview on rolltide.com for the University of Alabama Women's Soccer Team. Today's feature will focus on a position by position breakdown.
As the Tide heads into the first game of the season here is a position by position breakdown:
Goalkeepers
The Tide will look to true freshman Justine Bernier between the pipes this season. She is a very quick and vocal keeper who has earned the starting keeper spot in fall camp. Karen Lansden is currently in the backup role after sitting out last season with a broken hand. Two year starter Kara Gudmens will challenge for the number two position as the season progresses.
Defenders
The Tide will swap to four defenders this season and look for two returning players and two new players to occupy in the backfield. On the outside are juniors Kara Kelly and Coleen Posey, both will be depended upon their man marking skills. In the middle will be freshman Sydney Barker and junior transfer Danielle Bernier. Danielle was a two year starter at Canicius College and will bring vocal leadership to the back line. Sydney is a true freshman who has had a great preseason camp.
Also look for Callie Pike and Natalie Kohn play in the backfield early this season as well.
Midfielders
Probably the most interchangeable piece of the puzzle for the Tide this season is the midfielders. Senior captain Hayey MacDonald will return to the midfield where she started 35 games in 2005 and 2006 before moving to a defender role last season. Kailey Corken will look to rebound after suffering a season ending injury last season, in an outside midfield role. The middle could be occupied by either Jessica Deegan or Jamie Zimmerman, both who played every game last season for the Tide.
The Tide also has the option of Jordan O'Banion dropping back from the front line. Freshmen Carly Mygrants and Kelly King will both see some time in the midfield this season.
Forwards
The starting lineup on the Tide front line emerged very early in fall camp for Coach Staley. Team Captain Jordan O'Banion will be joined by two freshman Brooke Rogers and Victoria Frederick. The front line will be much quicker this season with Frederick and Rogers on the outside. O'Banion will be depended upon to lead the young group and create quality shots for not only herself but others around her.
Also look for Susie Beard, Grace Lawson and Rosaly Petriello to get some time on the Crimson Tide front line.
