Northeast-10 Soccer Gearing Up for 2009
Franklin Pierce, The College of Saint Rose, and Merrimack Top Poll
Aug 25, 2009
The 2009 Northeast-10 Conference Women’s Soccer season is a few days away from kicking off, and the conference recently announced its preseason coaches poll. Just like last season, the race to the postseason will most likely be a close one throughout the season. Here’s a look at the potential log jam that could present itself at the end of the season.
1. Franklin Pierce University
Franklin Pierce University suffered a stunning loss at home to The College of Saint Rose in the NCAA Division II Regionals last season. This season Franklin Pierce returns several key players from last year’s squad, including the scoring tandem of All-Americans Gabriela Demoner and Angelika Johansson. Johansson led the Ravens with 29 goals and 5 assists for 63 points, while Demoner tallied 7 goals and 11 assists for 25 points. Franklin Pierce also returns sophomore Amanda Panaro, who battled injuries in her freshman year but still made the NE-10 All-Rookie Team, scoring two goals and an assist.
Defensively the Ravens return standouts Rachel Smith, the Northeast-10 Defensive Player of the Year last season, and Kelly Weygand. The two backs were part of a defense that allowed a mere 0.97 goals per game, good for third in the conference. A big question mark this season is goalkeeping, as sophomore Jocelyn Leon saw limited action last season and will be competing for the starting job with incoming freshmen Lauren Brewer and Casey Edward.
Head Coach Jeff Bailey and the 11th-ranked Ravens look to make their NCAA Division II record 18th appearance in the Tournament this year and avenge the playoff loss last November.
2. The College of Saint Rose
The 4th-ranked Golden Knights are predicted to finish second in the conference, a year after winning their second-straight conference title and reaching the Final Four. The team won a program record 20 wins, including a program record 11 in a row. Head Coach Laurie Darling Gutheil returns 23 players from last season, including eight starters. Known for constantly subbing during matches, the Golden Knights defeated Franklin Pierce twice in the postseason, once in penalty kicks in the NE-10 Championship and a week later in the NCAA Regional semifinals.
The defense led the way for The College of Saint Rose, posting 14 shutouts. Senior Shannon Murphy put together a tremendous season in goal, setting a program record with 18 wins and a 0.75 goals-against average, good for second in the conference.
The offense was also spectacular for the Golden Knights, scoring a conference-best 57 goals and 158 points. Look for this team to make another trip deep into the postseason this year.
3. Merrimack College
The Merrimack College Warriors made an early exit from the NCAA Tournament last season, falling to University of Bridgeport. With many key players returning, the Warriors look to take the next step in the playoffs this year. Senior Gabrielle Gramprey led the Warriors with 13 goals and 8 assists for 34 points.
Goalkeeping will be interesting this season, as senior Brittany Gustafson will transition from offense to between the pipes. Last season Gustafson was the team’s second-leading scorer with five goals.
Merrimack looks to be a hassle for Franklin Pierce and The College of Saint Rose and into the Northeast-10 Tournament.
