Concordia Stingers women’s soccer coach Jorge Sanchez is looking forward to starting his ninth season on the bench when his team hosts the Bishop’s Gaiters this Friday at 7 p.m. at Concordia stadium.
“The biggest strength of this year's team will probably be our depth and the versatility of various players,” Sanchez says. “We will be able to adapt to different styles of play and throw out quite a number of players on any given day while remaining very competitive.”
The Stingers will rely heavily on defender Alli Burgess, a fifth-year player who is a leader on and off the field. She will play centre-back this fall.
Other returning players to watch for include: Molly Howes, a strong defensive presence in the midfield; Catrina Guglielmucci for her playmaking in the midfield and second-year player Sarah Sullivan. The latter was the team’s outstanding rookie in 2009. Finally Emily Hubbard, back after taking a year off, will add potency to the Stingers’ attack from the striker position.
New additions that will have an impact on the 2010 campaign include:
Zoe Miceli, a goalie out of the Burnaby Soccer Club. She will take over the bulk of the goaltending duties and will be supported by third-year Stinger Andrea Davidson who will play both defender and goalie.
Also watch for Sage Rinaldo, a teammate of Miceli’s with Burnaby. She will be a solid defensive presence. A proven leader, she is an exceptional ball winner in tackles and in the air.
Andrée Robbins from Dollard des Ormeaux, Que. is a key addition. She is a slick passer and creative midfielder. Another mid-fielder who can step up in her first year is Elizabeth Allard from Drummondville, Que. She is a strong presence with great experience and good vision.
The Stingers have said goodbye to several veterans including Johanna Vanderveen and Alexandra Eskanazi, who is returning as an assistant coach with Concordia. Sanchez also lost two fourth-year goaltenders to graduation – captain Fanny Berthiaume and Jessie Davis.
