Women’s soccer hopes to tighten up team defense

By Sam Bauman

DeKalb |

 

After failing to pick up a win last weekend, women’s soccer will try to get back into the win column this weekend.

The Huskies (2-3-0) will look to get back on track on Friday at UW-Green Bay (2-2-2). The second game features the Huskies hosting the Western Illinois  Leathernecks (4-2-0) at home at 5 p.m.

After a worn-out performance last weekend in South Dakota, head coach John Ross is looking for more energy from his team.

“Last weekend I think we were tired,” Ross said. “It was a long bus trip and a long week of practice. It’s a long season, though. We need to get used to playing tired.”

The Huskies will look for improved play from their defense. Ross knows his team is surrendering too many opportunities to the opponent’s attack.

“We want to limit the amount of shots that we’re giving,” Ross said. “Last year we didn’t give up a lot of shots; our defense was keeping us in the game. We’re scoring a lot more goals this year, but we need to play better defensively.”

Last season senior Amy Carr posted a 0.89 goals against average for the season. This year, she sits at 1.93 goals against. For the Huskies to stay competitive this season the defense has to limit the amount of shots in order to help out their

goalkeeper.

Another key to the success of the Huskies this weekend will be the continued strong play of sophomore Sara Spaulding, junior Allie McBride and junior Lauren Noonan. All three players were named to the all-tournament team at last weekend’s Jackrabbit Invitational, and Spaulding was given an honorable mention for MAC offensive player of the week after tallying a goal and an assist over the weekend.

Spaulding hopes she can continue her recent success into this weekend to help her team get back into the win column.

“I want to keep working hard,” Spaulding said. “I want to go out there, work hard and give it my all.”