Whether it’s by jamming out to Sam Hunt’s “House Party” or by completing the team cheer, the women’s soccer team has no trouble finding motivation.
Being continuously ranked in the top 25 in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) adds even further motivation this season.
The Cougars are 12-2 overall, 8-2 in PacWest conference play and ranked 19st in the latest coaches’ poll. The biggest reason for this is the team’s defense.
“This is an incredible team, and to be ranked in the nation is an honor,” said junior goalkeeper Sarah Klinkenberg. “But we aren’t content with being there. We have our eyes on two games right now, because we know that if we finish these two games, we are promised a postseason.”
The Cougars’ defense has been their strength this year. They’ve allowed only seven goals on the season. That mark is good for second in the conference; the average of .351 goals against per game is ranked 5th nationally and 10th nationally in shutout percentage (total shutouts divided by total games), at .667.
The stellar defense complements the PacWest’s leading offense, scoring an average of 1.93 goals per game.
Cougar goalies have posted the highest save percentage at .902.
“Our strategy is to be a cohesive unit,” Klinkenberg said. “Our job is simple: don’t concede goals. We do this through lots of communication. We do our best to defend really well in one-on-one situations. It’s what our defense is based upon, because if each of us does our job right, no one can get by us.”
The team’s defenders continue to have the ability to fight off opponents and keep them away from the goal line. The team’s defensive chemistry is key to finding success.
“Most important is our shape and support that each of our defenders has to give,” head coach Jason Surrell said. “Each player has a role which, if done correctly, creates a strong defensive group. We focus on defending, starting with our forwards all the way to our backline and goalkeeper. It’s a team defensive strategy.”
Most of the women’s soccer games are on Thursdays and Saturdays, which means that starting Monday, the women are ready for drills and are preparing for the next opponent to check off list.
“Drills that are prominent for our progress would be defending one-on-ones,” sophomore defender Hayley Patterson said. “[There’s also] defending corner kicks and other set pieces, and playing 11-versus-11.”
Patterson also explained that, in practice, the defensive team will practice against a scout team, replicating how their upcoming opponents will play.
As the team’s center back, Patterson must keep the team organized and in the right rhythm of motion for the next play.
“My strategy of defense is to beat the forward I’m defending to every ball, to win every header, to control every tackle and not let her get a shot off,” Patterson said.
The team is ranked second in the West Region, slated to host the opening two rounds of the NCAA tournament if they manage to hold the spot with two games remaining against PacWest bottom dwellers.
“Each girl gives everything she has on a daily basis, and it is very rewarding to receive such an honor,” Patterson said. “My teammates deserve to be nationally recognized. It is not easy to do what we do.”
Coach Surrell agreed; however, he stated that the only thing that truly matters is where you finish in the end.
“We want to be number one,” said Surrell. “That’s just how we think.”