@CanesFutbol Looking to Continue Momentum
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – After capturing a 2-1 win in its exhibition opener over USF on Monday, the University of Miami soccer team will continue its preseason Friday with a scrimmage on the road at UNF.
First-period goals from senior Erin McGovern and Cortney O’Connell – in addition to a stout performance from its experienced backline – keyed the Miami victory.
“I think playing our first game against USF was a good challenge for us,” head coach Mary-Frances Monroe said. “We were able to reconnect after that match and walk through some of the things we need to do better both attacking and defensively as a team.”
Miami enjoyed strong defensive showings from team captains Maddie Simms and Shannon McCarthy, as well as a dominant offensive effort from McGovern, who scored and assisted on O’Connell’s tally.
Monroe said that while the win over the Bulls was encouraging, she has laid out a specific challenge to her team for Friday’s exhibition at Hodges Stadium.
“Our challenge for the match tomorrow is to play a complete 90-minute game,” Monroe said. “I saw bits and pieces of fantastic soccer through 45 minutes then there was a bit of a lull. Tomorrow’s challenge is to compete at the highest level, even if they’re tired, for 90 minutes.”
Through the first two weeks of training, Monroe and her staff have zeroed in on the roles some of the newcomers will play.
“We’ve spent a good chunk of time learning our freshmen, and it’s good for us to see some of their abilities, personalities and creativity shine through during training,” Monroe said.
One particular freshman that has stood out in the early going is forward Veronica “Ronnie” Johnson.
“I was very impressed with Ronnie playing at target forward against USF,” Monroe said. “She has an extremely high work rate. She’s learning the pace at the next level is a bit faster, so she’s adjusting, but I was definitely impressed with what I saw. She’s very coachable and wants to get better.”
Friday will represent Miami’s last action with outside competition before an Aug. 22 trip to Gainesville, Fla., for the team’s season opener against the Gators.
“We have two exhibitions to see what works and what doesn’t,” Monroe said. “We’re looking forward to the challenge, and continuing to build momentum heading into the regular season.”
