Question for RUDad02

[richthedentist]

I went to a few games this year but what do you think we need for next year to perhaps put us over the top and have even a greater season next year. We are losing our 2 best defenders so that will be tough to replace but I think we really need one more scorer and a dynamic midfielder. Do you know much about the incoming class? I was watching Fla. State in the other semi and they played alot of freshman so they can definitely have an immediate impact.

 

[rudad02]

Rich, for what it's worth, my thoughts are the following: not sure if we'll do quite as well next year, for as you've pointed out we lose our two outstanding & experienced backs, Skroski & Reed, as well as our fine outside back, Maggie Morash. They will be tough to replace. Adora Moneme, an upcoming soph may well take one spot. She got quite a bit of time this year at both back & middie. We have 3 backs coming in next year, one from Texas, Megan Katona & one from NJ, Amanda Visco, who was a first team Star Ledger pick, as well as a HS All American selection, and one from Conn., Chantelle Swaby, also a HS All American. My guess is that one of these Frosh may fill the other spot. We, therefore, may be young at these critical positions & youth tends to make a few mistakes, some of which end up in the back of the net. Not to say they couldn't just be exceptional & mature beyond their years & play lights out. Tori Prager an upcoming senior played, I believe, in every game, & filled in for Morash when she missed a few games with a concussion. She is very good & we should not see a drop off there. Erin Smith, an upcoming senior, was our other outside back. She is terrific, fast & very dangerous attacking from that side, especially on the give & go.

We also lose our center middie, Haley Katkowski. I would bet Kenie Wright, an upcoming soph, slides over there. She became a starter as the season evolved. Just a terrific soccer player--smart, skilled. fast, great stamina, good foot, & very tough. One of those freshman who was able to come right in & play fast & with poise, & never miss a beat. Believe she played center back in HS. We should, therefore, be very strong at this critical position.

We lost some forwards & middies, but have some excellent players returning in those positions. Jennifer Andersen, upcoming jr. & Katlyn Walters, upcoming soph., played in every game & can play. Forwards Madison Tiernan, upcoming sr. & Colby Cirrocca, upcoming soph., will both be back & both are dangerous. Incoming will be Nicole Whitley, F/M, from NJ, a first team Star Ledger pick & HS All American. Brittany LaPlant, a F from upstate NY comes in having scored 200 goals in HS. We also have four other F/M,s coming in. Don't know much more about them, but hopefully we will add some more scoring out of this group. As rufeelinit has posted, we could use some top end speed. Hopefully this group will provide some. Overall we have ten frosh coming in. Who knows, we could also get a transfer or two, as we did with Ciarrocca.

In addition, some of our other girls who didn't see as much playing time, or any at all, may step up to play key roles & have great seasons. Casey Murphy is back in goal. Overall, I think we will be very tough again next year. How tough will, IMO, depend on the maturity & play of our young players, especially on the back line.

 

[tlabue]

One thing to note about next year: I heard former coach Glenn Crooks on one of the NCAA telecasts say that Casey Murphy will be redshirting next year to play with the under 20s National team next fall (World Cup for U20?). So, whoever the backup goaltender or an incoming frosh will need to mind the nets.

 

[rudad02]

One thing to note about next year: I heard former coach Glenn Crooks on one of the NCAA telecasts say that Casey Murphy will be redshirting next year to play with the under 20s National team next fall (World Cup for U20?). So, whoever the backup goaltender or an incoming frosh will need to mind the nets.

Interesting if true. Brianna Scarola from Chester, NJ, was in goal early this past season when Murphy was involved with this US U20 baloney during her college season. As you may be able to tell I'm old school & don't think much of this new world that endorses & promotes bifurcated loyalties. Be that as it may, we are also bringing in a Keeper from Maryland, Margaret Barron. Who knows, we just may be stronger in net.

 

[Scarlet Knut]

One thing to note about next year: I heard former coach Glenn Crooks on one of the NCAA telecasts say that Casey Murphy will be redshirting next year to play with the under 20s National team next fall (World Cup for U20?). So, whoever the backup goaltender or an incoming frosh will need to mind the nets.

I heard that too and mentioned it to Casey's dad who was surprised he said that.