Women's Soccer Week That Was: Week 1
8/18/2008 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Aug. 18, 2008
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - First-year head coach Todd Bramble led his women's soccer squad through the first week of practice and an impressive exhibition match victory. The Crimson Tide had three two-a-day sessions last week before earning a 5-0 victory over Jackson State on Saturday.
"The week has given us the chance to evaluate the ability of our newcomers," Bramble said. "I have seen a team that has shown great competitive spirit in training. We have addressed everything we can defensively and getting our team shape to what we want it to be. Now we just have to start really working on the attacking side of the ball."
Alabama opened camp last Tuesday and has taken to the pitch every day since. Tomorrow will mark the last day of two-a-day training. With the season opener just 11 days away the Crimson Tide have more time than most to prepare but will only have one exhibition match under its belt.
"Unfortunately I don't think we got any questions answered coming out of our exhibition game," Bramble said. "So the only thing that is a little unsettling right now after the first week is knowing that we are going into our first real game against a very good Memphis team without really being put to the test. The good thing about not having a game scheduled on the first regular opening weekend is that game against Memphis is 11 days away so we still have plenty of preparation time."
In the exhibition match sophomore forward Victoria Frederick put on an offensive clinic by recording a hat-trick and playing a hand in four of the five Crimson Tide goals. Goalkeepers Kara Gudmens and Karen Lansden combined to shutout Jackson State. UA out-shot JSU 27-2 on Saturday.
The Crimson Tide will officially suit up for the first time under Bramble against reigning Conference USA champs Memphis. The Tide will have to hit the road to play the Tigers on Aug. 29 at 5:00 p.m. at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex.
