PAGE 4C
THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012
SOCCER PREVIEW
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
Soccer returns 10 starters; aim for title
NICOLE EVANS
nevans@kansan.com
With two-a-days finally in the past and an exciting schedule ahead of them, the Kansas women's soccer team is ready to focus on the season.
The team finished last season with a winning record of 11-9-1. This year, the players are ready to return to the field and prove to the community, their opponents, and themselves that they are a stronger team than last season, with their goal of winning the Big 12 conference in their sight.
Much of their strength lies in the fact that they're returning 10 starters, including the team's top six scorers from last season, three starting defenders and their starting goalkeeper.
"With so many returners this year, we should have more continuity, especially early on," head coach Mark Francis said.
Francis, returning for his 14th season as the brains behind the women's squad as head coach, took the team to its fifth NCAA tournament appearance last year. He hopes his returners will be willing to step up and take control, making quick decisions in difficult situations right out the gate heading into the season.
One returner expected to lead the team is senior midfielder/forward Whitney Berry, who's been a factor throughout her time as a jayhawk and has the second most career assists in Kansas history.
Also returning to their positions are ophomore midfielder Liana Salazar, junior midfielder Amy Grow, junior forward Caroline Kastor, and sophomore forwards Ingrid Vidal and Jamie Fletcher.
Although there is a strong veteran presence, some new faces have entered the line-up, all eager to unveil their talents on the field
including senior National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-American defender Cassie Dickerson, who transferred from Ohio State. The Jayhawks also added freshmen midfielers Monica Castro and Hanna Kallmalier, defender Kaley Smith, forward Courtney Dickerson and forward Ashley Williams.
In the Big 12 preseason coaches poll, Kansas was predicted to fin
ish fourth in the conference. The Jayhawks also received a first-place vote for the first time since they won the conference title in 2004.
The team trained hard during practice to prepare for this year, with their season opening on August 17 against UC Santa Barbara, and games against Northwestern and Georgia all in the first month of the season.
—Edited by Ethan Padway
KANSAN FILE PHOTO
Sophomore forward Ingrid Vidal gains control of the ball during a game against Missouri at the Audrey J. Walton Complex. Vidal competed for her native Colombia at the Olympics this summer.
KANSAN FILE PHOTO
Sophomore forward Ingrid Vidal gets pushed out of bounds by her opponent from Missouri during a game at the Audrey J. Walton Complex.
OLYMPICS
Three soccer players gain international experience
NICOLE EVANS
nevans@kansan.com
The Kansas women's soccer team saw three of its members receive international recognition for their talent on the field, greatly representing not only their countries but the crimson and blue of Kansas.
Sophomores Liana Salazar and Ingrid Vidal, both Colombian natives, were able to take their talents to the world stage, playing under the gleam and glory of the five rings during the Olympic Games this summer in London.
team lost all three games in pool play.
Both players impacted the game and helped their home country as they made it through three matches. Unfortunately, the
In the first match against South Korea, Salazar started and played all 96 minutes of the game.
Vidal also had the opportunity to start, totaling 211 minutes on the field after competing in two of the three fixtures. They not only impacted and helped Colombia's national team, but their experience will also aid the Jayhawks as the team prepares for its 18th season of varsity competition.
"Their international experience will help the team, especially in big games where there is more pressure," said Kansas coach Mark Francis. "The pressure doesn't faze those two, and that calmness will rub off on
their teammates."
Senior midfielder Sarah Robbins will be playing on a different world stage at the end of August, missing a couple weeks at the beginning of the season in order to partake in the Under-20 Women's World Cup in Japan.
The Montreal native will once again be a presence and threat for the Canadian team. She also played for Canada in the U-20 European tour this past June.
All three players will be able to bring their experiences and talents back the Jayhawk soccer complex, adding depth and unique perspectives to the team.
Edited by Ethan Padway
TRAVIS YOUNG/KANSAN
Sophomore midfielder Liana Salazar defends against Georgia sophomore midfielder Jenna Owens during the second half of the match. Kansas lost to Georgia 0-2.