2010 Women’s Soccer Preview
Wednesday, September 1st, 2010
GOSHEN, Ind. – After debuting with a 2-0 victory over Anderson University in a scrimmage this weekend, the Goshen College women’s soccer team officially starts its 2010 season Thursday at Manchester College.
With his second-straight loaded recruiting class, head coach Thavisith Mounsithiraj hopes his balance of upperclassmen leadership, superb sophomore class with a year of experience and new speed and talent will combine quickly to improve on a 5-11-1 mark last season.
Every good team needs good leadership and the Maple Leafs have it in seven seniors: Olivia D’Cruz, Kat Luginbuhl, Chelsea Graber, Yaneth Springer, Liz Gunden, Chloe Mathonnet-Vanderwell, and Heather Zimmerman. The group has seen the ups-and-downs of seasons and has both the skill and diversity in styles and abilities to lead the Maple Leafs to new heights.
“Obviously we have a large group of seniors who have experienced some challenges over the course of the past four years,” Mounsithiraj explained. “They have always expressed the need to leave something behind, the urgency to leave a legacy if you will. I have nothing but praise for this group who has been committed to my vision the past four years and I have nothing but great anticipation for this season and where their leadership will take us.”
While not seniors, a junior class that includes laser-footed Tahnee Delp and hard-nosed defender Jen Snyder play like the seasoned veterans they have become. Both figure to be vital on both ends of the pitch for the next two seasons.
The largest group figuring into the Maple Leafs starting lineup is the sophomore class. When healthy, as many as five from Mounsithiraj’s 2009 class will get the nod. On the defensive end, the group includes goalkeeper Lynn Weaver and central back Mara Swartzentruber who both started every game for the Leafs last season. The class also includes playmakers Julia Miller, Kristina Lopienski, and Brianne Mault.
“I think last year was tough for our freshman as they were asked to do quite a lot,” Mounsithiraj said. “In talking with them, they felt they learned a great deal and they felt there were so many things they needed to learn about playing at this level. So, I anticipate them to bring to the table this year so much more energy, much more wisdom and enthusiasm to move forward.”
Already a strong mix of personnel, Mounsithiraj backed it up by bringing in an excellent recruiting class with one trait in common: speed. The speed filters to all areas of the field with Dana and Alisha Christner in the back, Marissa Weldy and Emma Gerig in the midfield, and Emily Fretz and Rebekah Groff up front.
“I intentionally looked for speed and for players who could step in and make an immediate impact,” Mounsithiraj added. “These players are not afraid to jump right in and show what they can do. So, I am hoping for them to really truly challenge the upperclassmen and fight for their time and position. It’s going to be exciting to see how it will turn out.”
The surest thing for the Maple Leafs last season was its defensive presence. They posted four shutouts and routinely frustrated opponents. The biggest issue, though, was finding the scoring touch, especially in conference play where Goshen tallied just two goals. With more options than ever being able to discover the right combination from the midfield to the front and taking more chances in the right spots are keys to moving forward according to Mounsithiraj.
The Maple Leafs will look for another strong start on the scoreboard Thursday as they head to Manchester College, a team they defeated 2-1 last season. Their home opener will come on Tuesday, September 8 against Trine University.











