2003 OU Soccer Preview

OUTLOOK

The Oklahoma soccer program is entering its eighth year in 2003, coming off its second consecutive 11-win season. The 11 victories tied a single-season school record originally set in 2001. Randy Evans begins his fifth campaign as head coach of the Sooner club and again will look to field a successful squad with the goal to compete for a Big 12 championship. OU's success will hinge on a talented group of youngsters (25 freshmen and sophomores), as four starters and eight seniors total graduated from last year's team.

'We are expecting a lot this upcoming season because this is probably the most talented squad we have assembled at OU,' said Evans. 'It is going to be a big challenge with the amount of inexperience, but hopefully the abundance of athleticism and talent will make up for that.'

The Crimson and Cream opened the 2002 regular season slate by running off six consecutive wins. Evans' crew stood at 11-3 at one point in the season and finished with an 11-8 record, including a 6-2 mark at John Crain Field. This year they are tabbed to finish sixth in the league, after a 4-6 mark in Big 12 play a season ago.

After graduating a large group of seniors, the big question mark comes from the leadership department. Heading into the year, tri-captains Erin Young, Catherine Wade and Heidi Martinson are players that have shown they can lead by example.

Said Evans, 'I have never seen a collection of captains as committed to being leaders and that just work incredibly hard and want to win. That should make up for the players we lost from last season.'

FORWARDS

The success of OU may rest upon the talented amount of forwards, including 2002 second-team All-Big 12 selection Logan Womack. Womack returns for her final season in Norman as the school's all time goal scorer (28), and second-leading points producer (59).

Womack is just one element of what looks to be a very deep and talented front line that will provide Evans several different looks on offense.

'The front line, even though less experienced, is going to be the strength of this team with the amount of depth and talent we can put there,' said Evans. 'We have as many as eight good forwards and that gives us a lot of flexibility. We can do strictly a speed lineup, or a tactical front or just an athletic and skilled front. It enables us to throw a lot of different looks at opposing defenses.'

Some of those joining Womack in the potent offense will be Becky Nelson, Kristin Vesely, Michelle Enos, Ashley Lacey, Savanah Scott and Monica Karriker.

'Nelson showed tremendous potential as a freshman in 2002 with four goals and two assists, and she is starting to realize what she is capable of. She is a definite breakaway threat with her speed.

'Vesely is a very talented soccer player who also plays softball. She has a chance to make an impact on this year's team. And, Scott is another tremendous talent who can contribute to this team right away at more than one position.'

Added Evans, 'Then we have Enos, Karriker and Lacey all returning with experience and they bring composure to the field with their sharp ball-handling skills.'

MIDFIELD

More talent awaits in the middle for coach Evans as the defenders and forwards will depend on the midfielders to control the ball, while feeding it to the offense and getting back on defense.

'Midfield is another solid area for us with some good depth,' said Evans. 'That group has a chance to win some games for us this season.'

Another All-Big 12 second-team member from last year, Lauren MacIver, will look to control the middle of the field for OU. In 2002, she notched four goals and four assists during her freshman campaign and led her team with 61 shots taken.

'MacIver is looking sharp and better than ever. We expect her to have even more productive season,' commented Evans.

Assisting MacIver in the midfield on the outside wing positions will be Jessica Talton and Andrea Hurley.

'Jessica had a tremendous training camp and we will look to her for some leadership.

We are expecting some great things from Andrea as well, a freshman who will be thrown in the mix right away.'

DEFENSE

Remaining healthy will be the main focus of the Sooner defense as it looks to compete for a berth in the Big 12 Tournament. Last season, the OU defensive front allowed the third fewest goals in the conference.

Junior goalkeeper Catherine Wade will anchor the Sooner defense entering season after posting a 1.22 goals-against average in 19 games last year. The junior also recorded an impressive six shutouts last season.

Wade will look towards her defense that, if healthy, could be one of the top units in the Big 12. The defense has been the key to success for OU in years past in league play, and this year will be no different with the potential lineup in front of Wade.

That list includes, Erin Young, Kirstin Karfonta, Jenny Jones, Christy Kenkel and Sammy Faulkner.

'Erin Young has become one of the dominant defenders in the conference.

Jones showed tremendous potential last year and we will look for big things from her in 2003,' said Evans.

'Another freshman that contributed last year, Christy Kenkel, has recovered from a late season injury and is fully recovered and playing well.'

Whitney Young, Jenna Lemon and Paige Lawrence will also get the opportunity to step in and contribute on the defensive side of the ball as freshmen.

SCHEDULE

One game at a time will be the strategy for Evans and his squad as they once again embark on a tough non-conference schedule before Big 12 play opens.

The Sooners begin regular season action on Aug. 29 at home against an Arkansas club that has yet to defeat the Sooners in three contests. Two days later, New Mexico comes to Norman before OU heads out to the Notre Dame Classic to play the Fighting Irish and the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers. Road games against SMU and TCU are followed by home contests with Oral Roberts and Tulsa to round out the non-conference portion of the schedule.

'The non-conference season for us is more of a testing ground than it's ever been,' declared Evans. 'Initially we will be looking at what we are doing and what is best for us, as compared to who we are playing against. Those first couple of games will be a test for us as to where we stand come time for Big 12 play. If we compete well against those schools, then we know we can turn around and do the same against conference opponents.'

OU will have a conference slate that starts with Texas A&M. The Aggies have been a regular participant in the conference championship over the years and are ranked nationally in the preseason NSCAA Top 25 poll. Preseason Big 12 favorite Texas, another top 25 team, visits two days later while Colorado, Texas Tech and Baylor close out the home conference schedule. Road games within league play for OU include Iowa Sate, Missouri, Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma State. Finally, the Big 12 Tournament begins on November 6, in San Antonio, Texas.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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