Soccer Central
HAMILTON, N.Y. (8/20/10) - The Colgate women's soccer team will begin its 2010 season on Sunday Aug. 22 against No.17 Virginia at Klöckner Stadium in Charlottesville, Va.
The Raiders, who are coming off a successful 2009 season claiming the 2009 Patriot League regular season and tournament titles and progressing to the first round of the NCAA tournament, are looking to better their previous season with a win against the Cavaliers.
“We are certainly not easing into the season. We are jumping into the deep end right away,” stated head coach Kathy Brawn when reflecting on the schedule. “I think the players should see it as a vote of confidence from the coaching staff. We wouldn’t have scheduled the game if we didn’t think we had the players who had the mentality to go and play a game like Virginia early. “
Going into the first game of the season, the Raiders are still in the midst of solidifying their game plan against the Cavaliers, who lead the all-time series between the two teams 1-0. However, one thing is for sure; they are coming into this game looking for a win just like they would with any other game.
“It’s not hard to get a really soft schedule even at the division I level, but its just never been our philosophy to do that,” Brawn said. “We want to challenge ourselves with the best opponents available and that it is why Virginia is on the schedule. It is a good opportunity for us to test the waters and see where we are.”
Scouting the Raiders
Colgate completed its 2009 season with an overall record of 11-7-3. The Raiders finished their season with a conference record of 5-1-1, winning the regular season title and the championship title.
Sophomore goalkeeper
Ashley Walsh (Baldwinsville, N.Y.) led the league in saves per game and most saves in a single game last season and was named to the 2009 Patriot League All-Tournament team. She was also selected as the 2009 Patriot League Rookie of the Year.
Scouting Virginia
The Cavaliers completed their 2009 season with an overall record of 10-6-6, finishing the season ranked No.19 nationally and reaching the round of 16 of the NCAA Tournament for the fifth consecutive year.
Senior midfielder Sinead Farrelly, who led the team in points last season, was named to the 2010 Women's MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List.