2006 Soccer Preview

CLARION SOCCER FOCUSED ON WINNING IN 2006

            The 2006 Clarion University Women’s soccer season kicks off at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24, when the Golden Eagles host Salem International at Memorial Stadium.

            Last year, Clarion finished 4-15-1 overall and 0-10 in the PSAC-West but played better than the record indicated losing 10 games by two goals or less and four by a single goal.  

COACH FELDMAN BUILDING SUCCESS IN 2006

 “Last years record is very deceiving and does not show the progress Clarion soccer has made,” Clarion head coach Nina Alonzo Feldman said. “This season I can strongly say that we have a great chance of going .500 or better.

“This year we are trying to make our concepts and schemes more concrete.  This will help to continue to build our program into a solid one.”

Feldman is very pleased with the work ethic and leadership shown by her player during pre-season camp.

“All of our players have come to camp and worked very hard,” Feldman said. “The players have shown the heart and discipline needed to make Clarion soccer successful in 2006.”

Clarion is hoping to build on the offensive success it had in 2005 when new offensive schemes allowed the team o set marks for goals scored in a season (24) and points in a season (59). The Golden Eagles return 71 percent of last year’s offensive production led by midfielder Ashlie Regazzi.

REGAZZI TO LEAD CLARION OFFENSE IN 2006

Regazzi (Dayton, Ohio/Walter E. Stebbins) returned to her freshman form as a junior with five goals and 11 points. As a freshman in 2003, she had five goals and 10 points. Feldman said she will be expected to take leadership and control of the offense this season.

“Ashlie knows what to expect and knows how hard to work,” Feldman said. “Her leadership will be a key to taking Clarion soccer to the next level.”

GLASGOW & DOWNS ALSO RETURNING GOAL SCORERS

Joining Regazzi on the offensive side of the ball will be juniors Michele Glasgow (Spring Mills/Penns Valley), Ashley Downs (New Stanton/Hempfield), sophomores Rachael Schmitz (Pittsburgh-Shaler), Nicole Scott (N.Huntingdon/Norwin).

Downs was second on the team in goals last season with four, while, Schmitz and Sara Turner netted two and Scott one. 

With a strong offensive nucleus returning, coach Alonzo believes the offensive leadership these players possess will help lead the team to the next level.

BORING EXPECTED TO LEAD EAGLE DEFENSE

Defensively, Clarion will be looking to make changes with their defensive formations and alignments during the 2006 campaign. 

The Golden Eagles, who have to replace two-time PSAC-West first team honoree Melissa Alonzo, will look to senior Devina Boring (Plainfield, Ill./Plainfield) to lead the way.

“Devina is more than just a good defender, she is a teacher to all of the younger players,”

Feldman said. “Devina helps to make our defense work.”

Joining Boring on defense will be juniors Valecia Yockey (Pittsburgh/Plum), Aimee Zellers (Felton/Red Lion) and sophomores Hilary Dieter (Erie/Iroquois) and Sara Turner (Pittsburgh/Baldwin). 

“These players will solidify our overall defense,” Feldman said.

REED PROVIDES FINAL DEFENSE

Clarion will have a new goalkeeper in 2006.

Junior Jessica Reed (McClure/Lewistown) gets the nod. She saw limited action last year appearing in five games and starting two, both Clarion wins.  

 “She’s put in a ton of hard work during the spring,” Feldman said. “She’s a more vocal leader, and her vision and direction is a huge asset to our team. Her work ethic will help her adapt very quickly in net.”

FRESHMEN RECRUITS READY TO CONTRIBUTE

Feldman is also excited about the Eagles incoming freshman class. She believes it brings a winning attitude and strength to help take Clarion soccer to the next level.

Adding depth to the offensive side of the ball will be Alyssa Jacobs (Gettysburg/Gettysburg), Caitlin Borden (Harrison City/Penn Trafford), Ashlyn Schriefer (Centre Hall/Penns Valley), Nori Francis-Mezger (Searsport, ME/Hampden Academy) and Lisa Crist (Shippenville/Clarion).

“This offensive class has the ability to be in the right place at the right time,” Feldman said. “This is the most skilled freshman class we have ever had.”

Feldman said that Jacobs and Francis-Mezger have really caught her eye during pre-season camp.

 “Alyssa and Nori will help our team’s offensive attack tremendously,” Feldman said. “They have developed into strong players who can both attack and finish the ball.”

Adding depth to the defense will be Rebecca Waterhouse (Girard/Girard) and Kendra Patterson (Murrysville/Franklin Regional).

“These players have what it takes to be great defenders,” Feldman said. “They’re fast and strong. They all have experience with winning and being successful competitors.”

Feldman went on to say the 2006 season will center on good team chemistry with the entire team embracing the program’s mission.

“Our goal is to finish .500 or better and hopefully that can lead to us reaching our ultimate goal of making the PSAC playoffs,” Feldman said.

By: Ryan Smith

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