USM Women's Soccer Newsletter
September '98
Issue #2

Well, preseason is over, the team is picked, and we have started play. As of September 17th, we are 2-1. Not a bad start considering we lost our scrimmage against Lowell and our first game. We have a tough one this Sunday against Bowdoin, who are currently ranked #9 in the country. It will be a good test for us. Here is a break down of how the games have gone :

1. U-Mass Lowell (scrimmage) : we played 3 - 30 minute periods. First one ended 0-0, with a solid defense performance, but not much offense. Second period we lost 1-0, but we still played well. Not much offense again. The last period we also lost 1-0 and the story is pretty much the same. Good overall play, but no serious scoring chances, except Ali Hathaway hitting the post.

2. Gordon College (away) : Lost 3-0. First game of the season and that might have caused some nervous jitters. We fell behind early, the first goal against coming at the 14:37 mark, followed by two more goals at the 19:34 and 33:41 mark. The first half was not an exhibition of attractive soccer by us. We were unable to adjust to Gordon's direct style of play. The second half was a different story. We played even with Gordon and had a couple of chances, but couldn't score. Made for a long ride home. Record to date : 0-1.

3. Norwich University (home) : Won 4-0. A sudden offensive outburst! The team played a great game. Everyone contributed. We controlled most of the game and ended up with 20 shots on goal. Ali Hathaway, who started the game at center back, was moved up to forward late in the first half and scored the season's first goal. That came in the 44th minute on a breakaway. It was a nice composed finish. After scoring the goal, she asked to come out because she was tired. However, we had used all of our substitutions for the half and she had to stay. Thank goodness she did, because she scored again 32 seconds after her first goal. The assist coming from Sarah Drury. The second half we didn't letup on attacking and Katie Blanchard scored on pass from Kim Landeen at the 57:06 mark. We had one more goal in us and Kim scored it from a great ball by Sarah. Sam Whitman and the defense, notched their first shutout. The only dark spot on the day was that there were only a handful of Alumni there to support us. Record to date : 1-1.

4. St. Joseph's College (home) : Won 1-0 2nd OT. The game was played under the lights at Gorham High School and after the men's team won in overtime, we finally kicked off around 8:45pm. We picked up right where we left off against Norwich. We controlled most of the game and ended with 38 shots on goal!! The only thing that keep St. Joe's from being blown out, was their goalkeeper, who had a fabulous night. We did play a little too much kick and run for our liking, but we will take the win. In the first overtime, St. Joe's had a chance to win the game, but Sam Whitman made a huge save that kept us in it. Finally, 4 minutes into the second overtime, Steph Forrest made a great run down the right side, fighting every inch of the way to get her cross in. That cross was met by the head of Sarah Drury and the ball crashed into the back of the net. This was the best game played by our backs. A very solid performance. Shutout #2. Record to date : 2-1.


Alumni : I know some of our current team were a bit disappointed that only a couple of alumnists showed up for Alumni Weekend. It was a shame that we did not have enough players for an alumni game. I would, however, like to thank those that did call me to say they could not attend. I would really like for all of you to contact me to let me know if a "Women's Soccer Alumni Only Weekend" is something that might interest you. I think it would be great for today's team to be able to meet the ones that started it all, because without you, there would be no team now.


Contributions : We received our first donation to the program. It came from the grandmother of one of our players. Thank you again Mrs. Martin. I would also like to thank all the parents and friends who have attended the games. Your support has been tremendous! Mrs. Whitman, as always, the baked goods are delicious! Please remember that any monetary donation should be made out to USM Athletics and sent to the : Women's Soccer Office
University of Southern Maine
37 College Ave.
Gorham, Maine 04038


I hope you enjoyed this little update and you can find a roster elsewhere in this site. Alumni, please call. See you all soon at the next game.

Steve

(207) 780 - 5328
quinones@usm.maine.edu