May 4, 2010
SEASIDE, Calif. - The 2009 Cal State Monterey Bay women's soccer team, under first year head coach #Artie Cairel#, has been recognized as the 9th most improved NCAA DII team in the country, according to Somis Sports.
The poll is based on improvement in wins, goals against average and goals scored. The Otters improved by two wins and saw improvements in goals scored and goal differential. The biggest area of improvement was in corner kicks. The Otters had 77 corners for the season with its opposition serving up only one more at 78. The previous year saw the Otters concede 110 corners. The slim difference in corners is a good reflection of the flow of the games where CSUMB was giving as much pressure as receiving.
Defending was a key for CSUMB this season. The Otters had a formidable line of protection for their freshman goalkeeper #Andrea Davis#. The defense was a blend of new and returning players. Senior #Krysta Vukas# and junior #Jessica Pardo# were supported by junior transfers #Annie Schlimmer#, #Mikayla Whitney# and local Cabrillo College star #Emmi Doniak#.
“We knew that we had a solid back four as all of our transfers come from good pedigree” Cairel said. “Playing the defending National Champion, losing 0-1 on a controversial goal, in our first game with no preseason games and a freshman goalkeeper was a good indication of this team's potential.”
The attack was bolstered by seniors #Sarah Alderson#, #Kyla Flores# and #Alyssa Matheson#. Alderson, the most consistent overall player, was balanced with a calming Matheson and buzzing Flores. Freshman #Marlina Massagli#, #Korie Soares# and Salinas native #Gabriella Bozzo# were hardworking forwards. Sophomore #Isabella Ortuno# was the leading scorer. #Brianna Baszak# was playing outstanding until her season ending injury. Other first-year impacts were #Allison Jaimes#, #Lindsay Gatlin#, #Amanda Porter# and #Ashley Rohde#.
The season was a great way for the seniors to end their intercollegiate careers. They were committed to leave a legacy that future classes would be able to build upon.
"As a senior, it is an honor to leave my legacy at CSU Monterey Bay with the astounding improvement we had this season,” Alderson said. “My four years here have been leading up to this and I am proud to see the progress that our program is achieving. I look forward to watching my fellow teammates continue to build the program as I know Artie will carry this team to success."
“What an accomplishment to be named in the top ten most improved NCAA Division II Women's Soccer team for the 2009 season,” said Pardo. “Our team has gone through quite a transformation this past year in that our desire, dedication, and perseverance have reached a new level.”
Pardo believes this quote by Mia Hamm sums up this squad's attitudes going into our next and future seasons. “I am a member of a team, and I rely on the team, I defer to it and sacrifice for it, because the team, not the individual, is the ultimate champion.”
“We are excited and ready to leave our mark in 2010 season,” said Pardo. “This in turn is a direct reflection of the quality of leadership, opportunities, resources and support that we all receive from the faculty, administration, and staff here at CSUMB. “
The magnitude of the growth was not lost on Doniak who has had tremendous success at the club level.
“As a first-year player seeing how much we improved as a team from day one to our last game really showed that the girls wanted to be a better team than they have been in the past,” Doniak said. “With all the new recruits coming in next year and how hard girls are working now, I think next season we are going to big surprise to other teams.”
The team is very excited to announce very soon what arguably could be the best recruiting class to date for the women's soccer team.
Cairel thinks this is just the beginning of bigger things to come. “It is a great reward to the players to earn a top-10 distinction. All the previous players and coaches can take pride in the program that is taking shape. We hope to be on the list one more time next season as No. 1 and then never see it again.”
