Aug. 22, 2007
SAN DIEGO - As the San Diego State women's soccer team prepares for its season opener versus Toledo on Aug. 31, GoAztecs.com completes its three-part series previewing the upcoming campaign.
Wednesday's preview breaks down the positions of defensemen and goalkeepers.
Defenders
In 2006, the Atzecs gave up an uncharacteristic 29 goals and 133 shots on net in 20 games, looking much different than the previous two Aztec teams that surrendered only 41 goals in 43 games.
A large part of SDSU's problems in the backfield could be related to the string of injuries that caused the Aztec coaches to have inconsistent lineups out in front of the goalkeepers.
The biggest loss on the back line came in the team's 3-1 victory over UC Irvine (Sept. 8) when sophomore standout Millie Allen went down with a torn ACL in her right knee. The Thornton, Calif., native had been a stalwart on defense starting the first 26 games of her Aztec career. Allen has spent the offseason rehabbing fiercely, as she has recovered to full strength as preseason camp opens.
"Getting Millie back will be a huge plus for us," head coach Mike Friesen said. "Her loss last season was a huge blow because it was hard to replace a player of her skill and experience. We are very happy to be getting back a player who helps us win so many balls on defense."
With the loss of Allen, the Aztecs had to turn to their younger players, and rookie Allie Crowson stepped up to fill in admirably.
The native of Sandy, Utah, appeared in 16 games, with seven starts as a true freshman.
"Allie was forced into playing a lot in her first season and really developed as the year progressed," Friesen said. "She became one of the better defenders on the team.
"She took on an even bigger role in the spring at the center-back position where she'll be a major contributor this season.
Senior co-captain Ashley Young returns to challenge for a starting spot as one of the most experienced players on the roster. Young has started 34 of the 54 career games that she has appeared in.
"Ashley Young has played a lot of minutes over the course of her career, especially big minutes in conference tournament matches," Friesen said. "She is a very smart player and has the ability to think her way through every game she plays."
A position weakened by injury last season, the defense has the ability to be a strength thanks to quality depth in 2007.
Ali Lokanc adds to the depth in the defensive backfield after playing on the back line during her freshman campaign at Nebraska.
"Ali has the ability to be a key contributor on defense," Friesen said. "Looking back at the film of our game against Nebraska in 2005, I was very impressed with how Ali was able to use her physicalness to mark out one of our better players."
Freshman Daniela Kozar, a two-time all-SCL performer at Casa Grande High in Petaluma Calif., is one underclassman who will battle for time on the field.
"Daniela could potentially step in right away and contribute," Friesen said. "She has a good understanding of the game and uses her physical stature well."
Along with Kozar, the Aztecs have the type of experienced depth the team has lacked in previous seasons in sophomore Lauren Marquez, who appeared in five games in her first year on The Mesa, six-game starter junior Kristen Seniura, and sophomore Shayla Williams.
Three freshmen, Laura Bahno, Megan Konishi and Katie Tribbey, along with junior Leann Sgobba all have the ability to fall back and play defense if needed, adding to the team's versatility.
Goalkeepers
With the two goalkeepers who played in all of the 1,860 minutes of action last season gone, a healthy competition for the starting nod will take place in the preseason.
"I'm really looking forward to the competition for the goalkeeper spot," Friesen said. "The spot is up for grabs between five players who we are excited about."
The goalie with most experience in the net for the Aztecs is junior Christi Yount. As a freshman, Yount started 10 games and made 35 saves while going 6-4 as the keeper for the Aztecs.
The former "Golden Glove" winner for the Slammers club team had a 1.09 GAA and recorded four shutouts in 2005.
"Christi has played at a high level for us," Friesen said. "Her experience will be a major benefit for us."
Also vying for time in the nets will be one of the Aztecs' top recruits in freshman Aubree Southwick. The Danville, Calif., native was the NSCAA California high school state player of the year, an NSCAA All-American and was named a Soccerbuzz.com Top-50 recruit.
"Aubree poses great height that brings an added dimension to the goalkeeper spot," Friesen said. "She has the ability to deal with balls in the air at a high level and is very good with her feet.
"Aubree is very talented and should push for the starting spot right away."
Additionally, battling for the top spot will be sophomore Megan Down, a Colorado transfer, freshman Danielle Moson, and senior Melissa Deckers.