Hurricanes Open 2010 Soccer Season
Aug. 6, 2010
Friday Morning Training Session
CORAL GABLES –
The University of Miami women’s soccer team opened their season on Wednesday, Aug. 4 with an 8 a.m. practice on the Greentree Practice Fields on the UM campus. It was the first of two practices on the day as the women were back at it again at 6 p.m.
Now in her ninth season, head coach Tricia Taliaferro will look to lead the `Canes to their fourth NCAA Tournament. With the successes of last year, most notably the win against the No. 2 and back-to-back national champion North Carolina Tarheels, the `Canes squad consists of several key returnees in addition to some young, bright freshmen.
“The team made a commitment to work out together this summer and it really showed on the first day,” said head coach Tricia Taliaferro. “The ability to focus our coaching on the technical and tactical areas in preseason (21 practices) allows us to be more efficient in training, to be ready August 20th. This is a special group of players because of their attitude and commitment to being the best, it is refreshing to be part of a team that is not satisfied.”
Miami will look to continue the streak of being ranked in the Top-25 this year after placing as high as No. 22 in the 2009 polls. To achieve this, the `Canes will be following a group of talented seniors whom also hope to follow in the footsteps of a former teammate from last year’s squad into the Women’s Professional Soccer league – Beverley Goebel drafted in the third round by the Washington Freedom.
Senior Brittney Steinbruch enters the season just two goals shy of becoming the program’s most prolific goal scorer. She currently sits in second place with 28 career goals, just one behind Britney Butcher (2001-04). The Wyckoff, N.J. native already is the school’s all-time points leader (35).
Fellow senior Brittney Macdonald is the anchor of a defense that has posted its best seasons with her on the field. Macdonald has helped junior keeper Vikki Alonzo amass a school record 17 career shutouts in just two seasons.
Along with Steinbruch, Miami returns striker Kate Howarth. In her freshman campaign, Howarth tied Goebel with the second-most goals on the team at three. All three goals came in a 5-1 victory over Ball State.
Miami’s offensive production should receive a boost from its freshman class, as Block Stockton, Tara Schwitter and Kelley Griffin enter the scene, scoring 153 combined goals in their high school careers.
The Hurricanes will face in-state rival Florida in the season opener in Gainesville on Aug. 20 at 7 p.m.
To view the complete 2010 women’s soccer schedule, click here.
Tickets for the home matches may be purchased at the Cobb Stadium entrance the day of the match for just $5 (adults) and $3 (children).
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