Coming off of a disappointing 7-10-2 record in 2010, the Missouri soccer team is counting on its newcomers to provide a spark.
This year’s batch of freshmen is a highly touted bunch, ranked as the ninth-best class in the country and third-best in the Big 12 by BigSoccer.com.
Coach Bryan Blitz has raved about the new blood and is anxious to see how they progress over the course of the season.
“I have a great feeling that this incoming class, which my staff worked so hard to recruit, will have an impact this year,” Blitz said. “These rankings also make a statement about the athletic and academic prowess at Mizzou.”
The class is headlined by Kaysie Clark (KC Select Scream, Liberty), Caroline Stanley (KCFC, Lee’s Summit) and Abigail Raymer (Whitecaps FC, Vancouver, B.C.). Clark and Stanley played in the U.S. U-17 National Team during the 2010 World Cup, and Raymer represented Canada.
That high level of experience may be needed, as the freshmen will likely have to make an immediate impact for the Tigers to achieve their goals. Last year’s top two scorers, Alysha Bonnick and Krista Kruse, have both graduated.
Bonnick and Kruse combined to score 17 of MU’s 35 goals last season, production that will not easily be replaced. Thus far, the freshmen have stepped up and filled the void handsomely.
Although her first collegiate goal is still eluding her, Clark has been a handful for opposing defenders with her superb ball handling skills. Raymer has also created some good scoring chances and fellow freshman Taylor Grant scored her first career goal in MU’s Sunday night victory over Eastern Illinois at Walton Stadium.
The newcomers aren’t only making head waves up front, as Caroline Stanley has been rock-solid thus far in net. Stanley has split playing time with redshirt freshman McKenzie Sauerwein. Through two regular season matches, Stanley has yet to surrender a goal, while Sauerwein has been scored on three different occasions.
The freshmen credit their older teammates with the seamless transition.
“We have a strong group of girls, and the older girls really help us out and make it possible for the freshman to succeed,” Clark said. “Everyone’s so friendly, and that helped us adjust as well as international soccer with its faster pace, different styles. It’s more physical and college soccer is different than anything I’ve ever played before.”
Sunday night’s 4-1 victory over Eastern Illinois was a big step forward for the Tigers, especially the youngsters. Their impact on the game was not overlooked by teammates.
“We’re trying to teach the younger kids how to play our system and keep pressing,” sophomore Alyssa Diggs said. “There’s a lot of potential out there and I’m really excited for this season because I can already see us coming together. We have to keep attacking them and pushing forward for a full 90 minutes. This was a game to set the tone and the freshmen know what to expect.”
Missouri will face its stiffest competition to date next Friday, when the Tigers play host to national powerhouse Ohio State at Walton Stadium.
