soccerfanatic
Active member
Coach Gibson has posted the roster for the upcoming season. The roster does not point out that two veteran players seem to be starting the season with injuries and may not get to play until well into the season (similar to Jana Davis-Boehler last year.) Given the injuries and what little I know of the incoming players, here are my projections for the starting positions for the upcoming year.
Keeper: Bailey Williams starter with Kat Ford as backup
Center Defense: Karissa Henage and Christina Beseris, starters
Defensive Wing: Lauren Hough and Megan Stainbrook, starters
Defensive Backup and potential starter (center or wing): Kacey Ball
Center Midfield: AnnaMarie Hofstetter and Ashley Jones, starters
Midfield Wing: Ashey Askwig and Rachel Strawn, starters
Forward: Lauren Ryan and Alex Hansen, starters
Top contenders for Midfield and Forward slots: Shauna Fleming and Amber Worthen
It it pretty hard to know at this point which of the freshmen will rise to the top, but both Ashley Jones and Rachel Strawn come to the Bengals with great experience and high-level success. However, college is so different from high school and club soccer, it is impossible to know who will make the transition. Several of the recruits seem to have excellent physical skills but have not had the level of technical training of some of the players from top clubs or with ODP experience.
Note that with only 9 healthy veterans capable of filling the 10 field positions, ISU will be starting at least one freshman. Hopefully, this group of recruits will come out strong, and will challenge and push the veterans for those starting positions. Coach Gibson has proven that she has no problem sitting the veterans when the freshmen prove themselves in practice and on the field.
It sounds like full practice sessions start on Wednesday and the first game (and first chance to see these players together) is just 13 days later. They don't have much time to learn how to work together by then.
Any insight readers have into the incoming freshmen would be appreciated. Particularly since we have more from Idaho than ever before, it would be nice to hear what anyone might contribute on the strengths (and weaknesses) of these local recruits.
Keeper: Bailey Williams starter with Kat Ford as backup
Center Defense: Karissa Henage and Christina Beseris, starters
Defensive Wing: Lauren Hough and Megan Stainbrook, starters
Defensive Backup and potential starter (center or wing): Kacey Ball
Center Midfield: AnnaMarie Hofstetter and Ashley Jones, starters
Midfield Wing: Ashey Askwig and Rachel Strawn, starters
Forward: Lauren Ryan and Alex Hansen, starters
Top contenders for Midfield and Forward slots: Shauna Fleming and Amber Worthen
It it pretty hard to know at this point which of the freshmen will rise to the top, but both Ashley Jones and Rachel Strawn come to the Bengals with great experience and high-level success. However, college is so different from high school and club soccer, it is impossible to know who will make the transition. Several of the recruits seem to have excellent physical skills but have not had the level of technical training of some of the players from top clubs or with ODP experience.
Note that with only 9 healthy veterans capable of filling the 10 field positions, ISU will be starting at least one freshman. Hopefully, this group of recruits will come out strong, and will challenge and push the veterans for those starting positions. Coach Gibson has proven that she has no problem sitting the veterans when the freshmen prove themselves in practice and on the field.
It sounds like full practice sessions start on Wednesday and the first game (and first chance to see these players together) is just 13 days later. They don't have much time to learn how to work together by then.
Any insight readers have into the incoming freshmen would be appreciated. Particularly since we have more from Idaho than ever before, it would be nice to hear what anyone might contribute on the strengths (and weaknesses) of these local recruits.
