2008 Women’s Soccer Season Preview

The Patriots ladies finished a breakthrough season last year with a 16-5 record. Eight starters return from last season’s squad with another solid recruiting class to join in August. Coach Aron Bassoff says that they have all the pieces in place to be just as successful if not more this season. “We know though that there is still a lot of work that needs to be done to achieve the same success as last year,” said Bassoff.

The Patriots did take two key losses though to the midfield with the departure of Stacey Tull (Middlesex, England) and Katie Delozier (Crestwood, KY). Bassoff commented, “Tull was a significant part of our midfield. She will be difficult to replace. Delozier also played a great role for us in midfield. She will be missed.” With three goalkeepers signed this offseason, it gives the Patriots some depth and good competition for the job. Also signings of some midfielders, outside backs, and possibly a very good goal scorer will cap the recruiting class.

With the return of Rebecca Rube (Louisville, KY) and Jamie Roberts (Owensboro, KY), the Patriots can assure that their top scorers from 2007 will be looking to improve on last year’s efforts. The heart of the Patriot defense also returns with Davin Caudill (Frankfort, KY) and Heather Lopez (Louisville, KY) returning in the backfield. Natalia de Pires Olivera ( Osasco, Brazil) also returns in the midfield and is looking to make that step up into dynamic play in the center midfield. Rube finished the year with 18 goals and 3 assists while Roberts scored 17 goals with 4 assists. Oliveria also contributed with 1 goal and 9 assists during the year.

When asked about the upcoming season, Coach Bassoff said, “I’m very excited to see if we can build on last year’s success. We have to see how the players addressed offseason training during camp. That will set the tone for the season. We also have to avoid being complacent. Realizing that there is a higher level to achieve is still the goal even from last year’s success. We must move towards being a top 25 team in the nation.”

With the competition becoming even tougher in the conference, the Patriot ladies look to compete for a Mid-South Conference Championship in 2008. “With Lindsey Wilson consistently ranked a national top 5 team and having won two national championships in 2004 and 2006, we know where we stand when we play them. We are just going to try and play a fast, smart, physical style of soccer this year,” said Bassoff.

With the addition of a new assistant in Ashleigh Townsend, an alumnus of the Patriot soccer program, to the staff this year, the Patriots coaching staff is looking forward to another successful year on the field. The Patriot ladies begin their season with a scrimmage against Maryville College on August 22 nd.

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