University of Tennessee Athletics
2006 LADY VOL SOCCER SEASON OUTLOOK
August 25, 2006 | Soccer
Aug. 25, 2006
On a steamy August afternoon, University of Tennessee Lady Vol head soccer coach Angela Kelly comes across a tape recorder in an equipment bag. Curious, she presses the "play" button, and the message goes like this: "Good afternoon, Commander Kelly. We hope your Possible Mission Forces had a productive off-season. We have an assignment for your team, should they choose to accept it. Their target is an overt mission to Cary, N.C., for the NCAA Women's College Cup. Employ elaborate deceptions in great offensive and defensive schemes. Make sure that the Lady Vol Possible Mission Force engages in the techno-sophistry mindset by which their opposition will instantly realize that they have been outdone once again by the skillful team of the PMF.
"This tape will self-destruct in five seconds. Good luck."
The Lady Vols are transforming into the Possible Mission Force this season, striving for a goal that few programs have achieved: a national title. After taking the SEC triple crown in 2005, Tennessee fell short of a fourth straight NCAA Tournament Regional Semifinal appearance. This year, the team is taking on "Mission: Possible," working toward a trip to Cary, N.C. for the 2006 NCAA Women's College Cup.
Under the direction of Kelly, the Lady Vols have achieved the top spot in the Southeastern Conference the past three seasons. With an in-league record 10 wins in each of the past two years, Tennessee has snagged four SEC Eastern Division banners and three SEC regular-season and tournament trophies in the new decade. But one goal remains, a trip to the NCAA Tournament's final national rounds.
Now in the program's 11th year, Kelly and her assistants, Scott Blount and former Lady Vol soccer standout Jen Laughridge Grubb, think they have built a team ready to take on the mission. Nine starters return from 2005's 15-6-2 team, including the squad's only All-American, NSCAA/adidas first-team midfield selection Ali Christoph. Two top scorers up front return, as redshirt junior Emily Redberg and sophomore Kylee Rossi come back to the pitch for Kelly and her crew. And the defense should once again be solid, as four returning members logged 12 or more starts on the backline a year ago, including senior co-captain Jenny Jeffers, who did not miss a minute of action last fall.
FORWARDS
Two starters return up top for the Lady Vols, and both have the ability to cause defenses headaches on the field. Redberg has three years of college experience to draw from after missing a year due to an anterior cruciate ligament tear as a true freshman. She tallied five goals during her sophomore campaign in 2005, finishing two contests against Auburn with her match-winners. The final clincher was the biggest, as her 80th minute goal against the Tigers in the SEC Tournament final gave the Lady Vols their third tourney championship in program history.
Rossi was a highly touted recruit from New Jersey who did not disappoint in 2005. She became just the third freshman in UT history to lead the squad in goals (eight) and points (20) in a season. And she did not shy away in big games, scoring her first collegiate goal in the season opener against No. 1 North Carolina and giving UT its initial win of the season with 11 seconds to spare at No. 6 Virginia. A 2005 second-team Soccer America All-Freshman recipient, bigger and better things are expected from Rossi in the coming years.
One of Rossi's former club teammates, Devon Swaim, comes in with a shot at starting at forward alongside Redberg and Rossi. The former Suburban One League Player of the Year and Philadelphia, Pa., area star, Swaim tore her ACL a year ago, missing her senior season for Neshaminy H.S. Swaim has looked spectacular in early practices, however, giving the Lady Vols even more hope to fill in the scoring gap left by dismissed major contributors Genna Gorman and Jackie Acevedo.
Junior Hayley Prendergast has made strides in her third fall on campus. Her one goal in 2005 proved to be the game-winner against South Carolina. She will provide depth up top for UT after playing in 11 matches a year ago. Senior Kristen Doukakis and sophomore Mia Boyd could also see some time at forward spelling the top three, but both are more likely to contribute time in the midfield. Another possibility for Kelly is freshman Melissa Rose, who is a former member of the California Olympic Development Program. Rose also garnered first-team All-California Interscholastic Federation honors in 2005.
"We have a very exciting young group returning this fall, being led by Emily Redberg," said Kelly. "She is not afraid to take responsibility up top. Our young core includes Kylee Rossi, who had a tremendous season last year, and Devon Swaim, who is coming off an ACL tear and looks better than ever. The combination of those three will be extremely dynamic and exciting for our fans to watch. They should score some exciting goals and lead our team in the attacking third."
MIDFIELDERS
A strength for the past three years, the Lady Vols once again will be run at the core by their All-American midfielder Christoph. Her ball handling and organizational skills have been recognized by national outlets, as Top Drawer Soccer gave her a spot on their Team of the Week last Oct. 3 for her play in the 2-1 win over No. 11 Florida, even without scoring a point. Christoph now has the chance to climb up UT's all-time charts for assists, as her 21 helpers are just three behind former teammate Lyndsey Patterson and five from tying current assistant coach Grubb for second in the record books.
"We'll be led by our team captain, Ali Christoph," Kelly said. "She has had such a tremendous career here at Tennessee. She is such a positive life force on and off the field. Her work ethic goes unmatched. As a first-team All-American, I look for her to put up big numbers in the midfield and lead our team from its core in the center. " Sophomore Leslie Vineyard contributed valuable minutes in the midfield in 2005 and will look to do the same in 2006. The St. Louis, Mo., native started 20 matches as a true freshman, tied for most in the class last year.
Canadian standout midfielder Véronique Maranda closed out 2005 on a tear. The explosive, offensive-minded midfielder scored three of her four goals in postseason play, including a two-goal game against No. 25 Wake Forest in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Her experiences grew even more last spring, as she played with the Canadian U20 team in the CONCACAF Tournament, a qualifier for this year's U20 World Championships. She registered five caps in the event, scoring one goal and adding an assist while helping the Red and White to a second-place showing. She is skipping the FIFA World Championships to help UT achieve its goals.
Doukakis returns for her final season at Rocky Top and has accumulated valuable experience to contribute to the team. She played in 18 matches last fall, and her airborne skills are a needed skill for the Lady Vols. Her versatility also helps, as she can also contribute minutes up top for the Lady Vols.
Boyd, an NSCAA/adidas Youth All-American in 2004 at Kingwood (Texas) H.S., played sparingly as a true freshman but was called upon to start the second half of the NCAA Tournament second-round loss at Virginia. A year of experience could give Boyd a better chance at contributing to the Lady Vols.
A highly-touted 2005 recruit from Clifton, Va., Mick Imgram spent last season on the sidelines recovering from a knee injury. The 2004 Washington Post State Player of the Year guided her Bishop Denis J. O'Connell High School team to three Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) Championships (2001-04), three Washington Post No. 1 ratings in the DC Metro Area and a mythical national championship in 2004, as her squad finished a perfect 20-0-0 campaign ranked first in the NSCAA/adidas national high school poll. She could contribute minutes in the midfield or on the backline for the Lady Vols this fall.
"Leslie Vineyard gets stuck in and battles for every ball,"?remarked Kelly. "She is also playing great and increasing her ability to distribute the ball. Kristen Doukakis is very good in the air, and she also gives a defensive presence in the midfield. She also has the versatility to play up top and put the ball away, which is something that any team that is going to go far in the NCAA Tournament or compete for an SEC championship needs. Véronique Maranda, a rising sophomore, is one of the flashiest offensive midfielders that I've ever coached. She has great vision and reads the game so well. She is very fit, and we will be working with her defensive presence. When she couples that with her attacking mind, she will be a very complete player."
DEFENDERS
The most experience returns on the backline, as four Big Orange players started a majority of matches last fall. After turning last year's question mark into the team's strong suit, the sky is the limit on what this group could accomplish in 2006.
The leader of this group is senior co-captain Jenny Jeffers. The only Lady Vol to play every minute last year, Jeffers helped lead a defense that yielded only 7.2 shots per match and just over a goal per outing. The senior also displayed her ability to be a cog in the offense by adding two assists in 2005. After playing alongside mentor and former All-American Keeley Dowling for a year, Jeffers will look to return the favor to an apprentice in 2006.
"Jenny is very experienced and confident in the back," said Kelly. "We look for her to organize and be tactically aware of any situation or breakdowns that may occur."
Junior Erica Griffin is one of the top outside backers in the conference. Missing only one start in her two years, the Memphis, Tenn., native continues to add to her game with more offensive skills. With her leaping abilities, she could contribute to offensive set pieces much like Dowling once did for the Orange and White.
Another returning starter, senior Melissa Amado has had to battle against injuries the last two seasons to stay on the field. When healthy, the Surrey, British Columbia, native brings a wealth of experience and ability to the center back position. Amado also tallied her first collegiate goal last fall, and her fearlessness in the air helps her contribute on both ends of the field.
Sophomore Sarah Van Sickle came out of nowhere last fall to claim a starting spot out of camp for UT, despite breaking her nose in the preseason. The Knoxville native ended up starting 16 matches for the Lady Vols last fall and picked up valuable on-the-job training from the staff and other defenders. Van Sickle also adds another dimension to the offense with her throw-in ability. She should once again compete for a spot in the back.
"Van Sickle has one of the best mentalities of any player I've ever coached,"?Kelly commented. "We're excited for her to add on to what she has already accomplished last year for us. Melissa Amado will also be competing in the center back position. Barring injuries, she has the mentality and ability to dominate any balls in the air and any player she is matched against. On the right side, we have Erica Griffin, who is extremely athletic. She loves to get into the attack and hates to get beat. She has developed technically and had a wonderful spring season for us. I'm excited to see what she brings to the table."
Two newcomers will battle the returnees for time and possible starting spots this fall. Junior transfer Jordan Falcusan played the past two seasons at Texas A&M, helping the Aggies to consecutive Big 12 Championships. She could step in immediately and challenge for a starting spot with the Lady Vols.
Freshman Sarah Jackyra arrives on campus with a shot to contribute in both the midfield and defensive third. The Apex (N.C.) High School standout earned all-state honors for four straight seasons and helped the Cougars to a quartet of Tri-7 Conference titles.
"This will probably be our strongest, most experienced line, said Kelly. "We are very excited about the play of Jordan Falcusan, a transfer from Texas A&M. She has come into preseason very fit and has a wonderful mentality. I'm looking for her to contribute a tremendous amount over the next two years. What a fabulous surprise in Sarah Jackyra, who has just stepped in and battled all preseason. She has the ability to go forward. She's fast, tenacious, and hates to get beat. She will definitely be competing for a starting role, which is extremely encouraging especially because she's only a freshman."
GOALKEEPERS
For the first time in four years, there is a question on who will mind the net for Tennessee after the graduation of two-time All-SEC standout Vanessa Phillips-Bosshart. Vying for the chance to take the starting role are two extremely talented but inexperienced keepers in sophomore Jaimel Johnson and freshman Molly Baird.
Johnson has a leg up in the race for starting due to having a year to learn from Phillips-Bosshart. The Dayton, Ohio, native played only seven minutes in 2005, but she did make one save in the 3-0 win over Mississippi State. Johnson, who regularly ran with some of the forwards last fall in conditioning drills, will have every opportunity to take the starting spot.
"We have a very exciting battle going on this preseason," said Kelly. "We have Jaimel Johnson, who played behind senior captain Vanessa Phillips-Bosshart. She had a great year of learning and mentorship from Vanessa. She is one of the most athletic goalkeepers I've ever seen. She has an amazing saving ability. She's very explosive, can get parallel with the crossbar and hold the ball. I'm really excited to see all the big-time saves she will make for us."
But Johnson will have to earn that opportunity from Baird, who helped Needham Broughton High School in Raleigh, N.C., to a 93-3-6 record and three state titles in her four-year career. Baird is a solid keeper who has already demonstrated a commanding presence in the back for the Lady Vols this preseason. A 2004 ODP National Camp invitee, Baird does have the accolades and could have a chance to start along with former club teammate Jackyra this season.
"Molly Baird has a wealth of experience and is very confident on how she instructs and leads back there. It's not clear who the starter will be, but I'm very confident if any one of them stepped in goal, that we will have one of the most elite goalkeepers in the country. You can't win championships without having great goal-saving ability. Both of those ladies bring that to the table."
Sarah Kitchin provides depth at the position. A three-sport athlete in soccer, lacrosse and track at Arundel High School in Crofton, Md., Kitchin has continued to prepare for a possible opportunity to play, as she works daily with Blount and volunteer assistant coach Hemant Sharma on improving her game.
SCHEDULE
As is the case with many coaches at Tennessee, Angela Kelly compiled another tough schedule to prepare her team for another run through the Southeastern Conference and postseason play. Rarely taking it easy on her squads, Kelly likes to test the athletes early, and this year the test comes in the form of 2005 Women's College Cup participant Penn State. After opening on Friday, Aug. 25 against Atlantic Coast Conference foe Maryland, the Lady Vols will line up against the Nittany Lions in the Penn State Invitational finale. This will be the first meeting between the two teams on the pitch. PSU was eliminated by eventual champ Portland in the national semifinals on penalty kicks.
A return home does not make things any easier for the Lady Vols, as they open their Regal Soccer Stadium docket against NCAA regional finalist Virginia on Sunday, Sept. 3. The two teams split their two meetings in 2005, with the Cavaliers picking up the important 3-0 win in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, sending Tennessee home before the second weekend of the national draw.
The seventh First Tennessee Lady Vol Classic commences on Sept. 8 and 10 at the Regal Soccer Stadium. UT squares off against UNC Greensboro in the Friday nightcap after Middle Tennessee and Mercer battle at 5:30 p.m. Sunday's draw has Mercer taking on UNC Greensboro at 12:30 p.m. before in-state rivals UT and MTSU battle at 3 p.m. It will be the first meeting between the Blue Raiders and Lady Vols in nearly a decade, as Tennessee took on the Murfreesboro team during its first two seasons.
The final non-conference weekend could prove to be the toughest of the season for the Lady Vols, as the squad travels to Palo Alto, Calif., for the Stanford Invitational. On Friday, Sept. 15, UT takes on host Stanford, looking for revenge from last year's 1-0 loss to the Cardinal in the First Tennessee Lady Vol Classic. Another difficult task awaits on Sunday morning, when the Broncos of Santa Clara serve as Tennessee's opposition at 11 a.m. Santa Clara picked up the win in the only previous encounter in the series in 2002.
The road tests continue when UT opens the Southeastern Conference schedule. Four straight matches away from Knoxville take the Lady Vols through Mississippi, South Carolina and Florida. The conference opener is a clash between the defending division champions when UT squares off against Mississippi on Sept. 22. The Lady Vols took last year's meeting, 1-0, after limiting the Rebels to one shot in the match. On Sunday, Sept. 24, UT takes on Mississippi State at the MSU Soccer Field. The Orange and White have never lost a match in Starkville, winning five straight on the Bulldogs' home turf.
The swing concludes the next weekend against South Carolina and Florida. The Friday night match against South Carolina starts at 7 p.m. in Columbia, S.C., where Tennessee will look to extend its unbeaten streak against the Gamecocks to 11 matches. The Sunday showdown pits the best two programs in Southeastern Conference history against each other in Gainesville, Fla. The Gators have won five of the six meetings at James G. Pressly Stadium, but the Lady Vols' last trip produced the lone victory, a 2-1, double-overtime win.
A season-long five match home stand kicks off on Fri., Oct. 6 when LSU comes to the Regal Soccer Stadium. The Tigers have never defeated Tennessee in eight tries, including a pair of 2-0 Lady Vol wins last season. Sunday brings the Lady Razorbacks to Rocky Top, with kickoff set for 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 8.
After Kentucky's visit on Friday, Oct. 13, Tennessee concludes the weekend on Sunday against the only SEC team it could not beat in 2005, Vanderbilt. The Commodores picked up a win in Nashville last season before UT tied Vanderbilt, 0-0, to force a shootout in the SEC Tournament. UT then advanced to the finals on penalty kicks, 4-3. The "Third Saturday in October" battle on the gridiron is prefaced this season by a match on the pitch on Friday night, Oct. 20. The Crimson Tide will look for revenge for Kylee Rossi's golden goal a year ago in Tuscaloosa.
The Lady Vols get their time on the small screen on Sunday, Oct. 22, as SEC-TV will broadcast the Auburn-Tennessee match at 2 p.m. ET on the Plains. It is a rematch of last year's SEC Tournament championship match, where the Orange and White came out on top, 1-0.
Regular-season play wraps up on Friday, Oct. 27, when UT hosts Georgia on Senior Night at the Regal Soccer Stadium. Last year's match was a classic defensive battle, with only three shots on goal in the match. UT ruined the Bulldogs' Senior Night last year and will try to keep the Red and Black from doing the same to Christoph and company this fall.
The 2006 SEC Tournament returns to the Orange Beach Soccer Complex in Orange Beach, Ala., on Nov. 2-5. The stadium has hosted two previous championships, and the Lady Vols came out on top in both of those in 2003 and 2005. NCAA Tournament First and Second Round action will occur on Nov. 10 & 12 at campus sites. Regional semifinals are held from Nov. 17-19, while regional finals take place on Nov. 24-26. The NCAA Women's College Cup is slated for Dec. 1 & 3 at SAS Stadium in Cary, N.C.
"Our philosophy at Tennessee is always the same year-in and year-out," said Kelly. "We have a very tough schedule, which goes along with my philosophy of testing our players in September to help prepare them for our SEC and postseason schedule."
With the mission objectives and docket laid out in front of them, the 2006 Lady Vols are the only elite force that can make the first trip to the NCAA Women's College Cup "Mission: Possible." With the quality and experience that returns to the organization along with the talented newcomers, Tennessee could fulfill its mission of playing soccer in December for the first time.
