Women's Soccer

2008 Season Preview

Life is a game of inches – and so is soccer. After finishing just one win short of .500 (7-8-3, 4-5 NEWMAC) and one goal shy of advancing in the NEWMAC Tournament, the 2008 Clark University women’s soccer team is looking for redemption.

“We play a tough schedule and were competitive in every game last year,” says eighth-year head coach Joe Brady. “But we just could not get any real significant results. The penalty kick loss to Babson College in the conference tournament definitely gave us something to shoot for.”

With eight starters and 17 letterwinners back, not to mention a bumper crop of solid recruits, Coach Brady feels he has assembled a team that is ready to compete in the conference and New England.

While the departure of two key members from last year’s team – Clark’s sixth place all-time leading scorer Liz Adamcik and Amanda Ramos, a former All-Conference pick – leaves vacancies up front, Coach Brady feels he has several talented players to fill the offensive void. Sophomore Julie Murray (5-0-10), who finished second on the team in scoring, and Kristen Murrone will provide the Cougars with a formidable scoring threat up front, while senior Heather Winn and junior Maria Arabatzis are in the running to complement her play. A pair of first-years, Molly Meehan and Erin Peete, as well as junior Brittany Flibotte could also give Clark a much needed offensive boost.

Coach Brady has plenty of candidates to consider at midfield including junior Charlotte Bowman and sophomore Megan O’Rourke. Bowman will give the Cougars’ veteran presence, while O’Rourke returns after a stellar first-year campaign. Sophomore transfer Laura Hedden will be expected to give the team an additional scoring threat. The versatility of both Allison Kennelly and Kerri Moy will bolster the midfield and frontline play, while Celina Grisi also hopes to contribute.

“We want to get forward a little more and a lot quicker this season,” Brady says. “Hopefully, we can get some goals not only from our frontline, but from our midfielders as well.”

NEWMAC All-Star and senior co-captain Julia Rizzo will be back to anchor the Cougars’ defensive unit that includes junior co-captain Lauren King, junior Lorna Lunney and sophomore Jess Mirkin, a transplanted midfielder. Junior Julia Hubbell, who may also see time at midfield, and sophomore Marie Sirois will contribute valuable minutes off the bench, while newcomers Sydney Bailey, Elizabeth Marconi and Rachel Minsky will also serve as viable options.

Joanna Clark (1.02 GAA, .829 SV%), who developed into an All-Conference keeper last year, returns for her second season as Clark’s top goalie. Rookie netminders Kellie Barile and Audrey Eisemann will contend for the back-up position. “With the addition of Kellie and Audrey, it gives us two quality back-ups after surviving last year with only one goalie,” says Brady. “Now, we have a solid goalkeeping contingency.”

With a 26-person roster – one of the largest in Coach Brady’s tenure – competition for starting spots will be fierce. “Pre-season kept everyone looking over their shoulder and wanting to get better,” he says.

Playing a schedule that saw five teams earn NCAA Tournament berths, a pair advance to the ECAC New England Tournament finals and all but one squad garner regional recognition won’t be easy. But according to Coach Brady, it will put the team in a position to contend in the NEWMAC.

“Our goal is to remain competitive in the conference and New England, and to take the next step in the program,” he says. “In playing a schedule like ours, it will force us to be ready everyday and hopefully we are able to get some results from some quality teams.”

About the Program

Committed to individual improvement. Devoted to team unity. Service to the community. Above all else – have a love for the game. “Clark soccer has been a terrific way to adjust to the college experience,” said junior captain Lauren King. “My teammates trust one another both on and off the field. Quitting is not an option; that is a testament to our commitment.”

This is the foundation that has led the Clark University women's soccer program to four consecutive NEWMAC Tournament berths, winning seasons in two of the last four years and a first-ever trip to the ECAC Championship game in 2005. Eighth-year head coach Joe Brady aspires to develop his players' strengths in a competitive environment and foster an attitude of excellence both on and off the field. With hard work and a winning approach, the Cougars are building a tradition that saw five ECAC Tournament appearances and an NCAA Tournament performance in their 22-year history.

The Cougars take on a challenging schedule each year. After competing against five NCAA programs and a pair of ECAC finalists last fall, Clark will again face a group of nationally touted and regionally ranked squads this season. “In preparation, we participate in a five-week spring session of technical and tactical skill work, as well as fitness training,” said Coach Brady. “It’s an atmosphere for players to enjoy the game and a great opportunity to come together as a team.”

The squad also keeps busy helping fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade students at a local elementary school hone their writing skills. A community-service project initiated by the team, the “Kick Up the Writing” program focuses on the importance of working hard and setting goals – both in athletics and the classroom. The five-month program culminates with a free soccer clinic at Clark for all the kids. The Cougars were recognized for their efforts with the John W. Lund Community Service Award two years ago.

Recent Highlights