The Observer, September 21, 2007
Volume XL, Issue 4
Women's soccer surges to 4-2
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Finding their groove, the women's soccer team has snapped off four straight wins and suddenly finds themselves with a record of 4-2.
"Every game, they know they have to go out and earn the win. We take it game by game. They just like to battle," said women's soccer coach Tiffany Crooks.
On Sept. 13 the Spartans faced Penn State Behrend and were victorious in a dominating fashion, 2-0.
"Our best defense in this game happened to be our great offense. They just controlled the ball and prevented the other team from getting chances in our territory," said junior Kirsten McClain.
Case controlled the ball for most of the game, allowing only eight shots, two on goal. The Spartans managed 15 shots total, eight on goal.
"They were a good team. This was the first road game we played well out of the gates. With our offense, we were able to dictate the pace of the game and limit their offensive chances," said Crooks.
Freshman Amy Bishara led the charge for the Spartans, scoring both goals, one in the 10th minute with freshman Madeline VanGunten assisting, the other, an insurance goal, in the 79th minute.
On Sept. 15, in their third game in five days, Case held off the Baldwin-Wallace Yellow Jackets for a 2-1 decision on tired legs.
"The energy was just there. The most fans this year came out to watch us and every player came alive-we wanted to play so hard," said VanGunten.
In the 18th minute Case jumped ahead with a goal by freshman Cecelia Fusco. Junior Caroline Garber sparked the goal by providing the assist.
"We are all getting more comfortable as a team and really clicking. We work hard in practice and it reflects in games," said Garber.
Tying it up in the 59th minute, Baldwin-Wallace's Allie Wojtkun took one of four shots on goal allowed by Case and scored. Less than three minutes later, freshman Ana Arruda slammed Garber's pass home, retaking the lead for good.
"We got a little too comfortable with our lead I guess. We came back instantly [after the goal] and responded with our own. That really woke us up and gave us the jolt of energy we needed," said Fusco.
Bishara led the team with eight shots on the night. She leads the Spartans with eight points this season.
"The game-winning goal showed a lot. They didn't panic and kept their composure. The girls just fought; the win was tremendous," said Crooks.
The Case women utilize a two-goal-keeper rotation of McClain and junior Nikki Frankenstein that has been working well all year,with opponents only scoring four goals in their five games.
"We both have strengths and weaknesses; we just have grown accustomed to splitting time. We both know we're getting playing time so we can both keep focus on the game, not trying to impress anyone," said McClain.
The women play again tomorrow at home against the College of Wooster.
"I won't say we aren't looking forward to league play. Four teams in our conference are in the top 25 in the nation, I believe. We need to enjoy the winning while we can and not get caught up in the pressure outside of us," said Crooks.
