Air Force Women's Soccer 2009 Outlook
8/19/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Aug. 19, 2009
A new era begins for Air Force women's soccer in 2009. After 17 years of guidance under recently retired coach Marty Buckley, the Falcons begin year one under long-time assistant, and now head coach, Larry Friend. Air Force returns 15 letterwinners and eight starters to the pitch, including top goal-scorer Bridgett Murphy, who led the Falcons in scoring last year as a freshman. In addition, 12 talented freshmen join the fray as Air Force looks to turn things around in 2009.
Friend characterizes his young team as a group that is ambitious and one that has put in the hard work towards improvement.
"This team works cohesively together and has brought a tough, blue-collar approach to getting better," Friend said. "We are young, but getting better every day we're out there. Come conference season, we should be a much stronger team with more experience."
With 24 of 28 players being sophomores or freshmen, Friend will lean upon his two seniors, both captains, Susan Finch and Kelsey Yip, to lead the way. Finch has 38 games under her belt and Yip has 37 games and 22 starts to her credit.
"Our seniors have done an excellent job of providing leadership and guidance for our young players," Friend remarked. "They are fine examples for our underclassmen to follow."
After a 3-14 season in 2008, Friend envisions a stronger team in 2009 and a much improved offense. Friend has several returners to the front line, led by Finch and Murphy. Murphy scored six goals as a rookie, the most by a Falcon since 2001, earning all-Mountain West Conference honors. Sophomores Kelly Bieber and Meagan Eissele also saw plenty of action as freshmen and will play vital roles in the offense as well.
"Bridgett had an excellent freshman year for us," Friend said. "We look for her to keep it up and for several other players to step up."
The midfield will be anchored by Yip and sophomore Krystin Shanklin. Yip returns to the Falcon lineup after missing her entire junior season to a knee injury. As a sophomore in 2007, Yip started all 18 games. Shanklin started 16 games as a freshman. In addition, sophomore twins Amber and Ashley Sikora and sophomore Kelly Laurent provide added depth in the middle.
"Having Kelsey back after missing her junior year will be huge for us," Friend said. "She's a stabilizing force for us in the middle and we're a much improved team with her back. We have several sophomores who saw a lot of game time as freshmen and we look for them to be significantly improved as well."
Sophomore Cassie Wilson and junior Shannon Nail will be the featured players in the backfield. Nail has 33 games and 15 starts to her resume and Wilson made 14 starts as a freshman.
"Cassie and Shannon will be the rocks for us in the backfield," Friend said. "Our defensive four as a group has shown significant improvement from the spring and we look for them to keep getting better."
Sophomore Ariana Green is Air Force's most experienced returner in goal with four starts as a freshman. Freshman Charity Blanton has also looked good in preseason practices and will push for playing time.
"We have several players vying for playing time at goalkeeper and we are looking for someone to step up in preseason practices," Friend said.
Friend has liked what he has seen so far out of his rookie class, as several players could see significant minutes right away.
"Our freshmen have good soccer minds," Friend said. "They know how to play the game right and it will be fun to watch them grow."
Air Force opens up with home games against Regis and UCCS, Aug. 21 and 23. The Falcons then travel to the Arkansas Razorback Classic, Aug. 28-30, to take on Arkansas and Austin Peay. After home matches, Sept. 4 and 6 vs. Northern Colorado and New Mexico State, AFA takes on St. Louis at the Toys for Tots tournament on Sept. 13.
The Falcons then host Cal Poly and New Hampshire Sept. 18-20 and wrap up non-conference play at San Jose State and Pacific, Sept. 25-27.
Air Force opens Mountain West Conference play Oct. 2, hosting Wyoming. After road trips at TCU and New Mexico on Oct. 8-10, the Falcons return home to host UNLV, San Diego State and BYU Oct. 15, 17 and 24. The Falcons conclude its regular season Oct. 31 at Utah.
The MWC Championship tournament runs from Nov. 4-7 in Provo, Utah. The top six teams, out of seven, make the tournament.
"The Mountain West Conference is one of the top conferences year in year out," Friend said. "One of our goals is to make the tournament, but its going to take some hard work to accomplish."
