(Lebanon, Ill., August 30) – The McKendree University women's soccer team kicks off its 2017 regular season schedule this week with two contests. The Bearcats open the season at The University of Alabama in Huntsville on August 31 at 2 p.m. The week continues as McKendree then welcomes Kentucky Wesleyan College to Leemon Field on September 3 at 6 p.m.
Head coach
Tim Strange has high expectations for the team this season, as the team is coming off a Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) Tournament Championship last season. "The goal as always is to make the GLVC playoffs first and then make the NCAA Tournament," said Strange.
Forwards
Offensively, Coach Strange will have some help making a post season run this season returning leading goal scorer
Sydnee Carroll (Millstadt, IL/Belleville West). Carroll led the Bearcats with 18 goals last season.
"We're returning a proven group of goal scorers," said Strange. "This year's front line offers us versatility as well as many different threats."
Forwards to Watch: Grace Neidhardt (Granite City, IL/Granite City ),
Madyson Mossman (St. Louis, MO/Ursuline Academy), and
Karley Kaimann (Old Monroe, MO/Winfield )
Midfielders
At midfield, the veteran experience of
Liz Kaiser (St. Louis, MO/Ursuline) and
Chelsea Whittaker (Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand/St Hilda's Collegiate School) will help guide the youthful unit.
"Happy to return the core unit of last year's midfield," said Strange. "We have added some exciting talent to the mix this year as well."
Midfielders to Watch: Kate Bixby (O'Fallon, MO/Fort Zumwalt North),
Amanda Williams (Rochester, IL/Rochester),
Jane Skaggs (St. Charles, MO/Duchesne ),
Alynnah O'Leary (Collinsville, IL/Collinsville ),
Rachel Kaltwasser (Belleville, IL/Althoff Catholic), and
Kailey Anderson (O'Fallon, MO/Fort Zumwalt West)
Defenders
Defensively McKendree returns two starters from the back line in
Anna Hanger (Belleville, IL/Althoff Catholic) and
Sydnie Markowski (Foristell, Mo/Wentzville Holt).
"Our program has always been built on having a strong defense, and this year's group has the talent to carry on that tradition," said Strange.
Defenders to Watch: Emma Dering (Hazelwood, MO/Duchesne),
Karla Engels (Plaidt, Germany/Bertha-von-Suttner Gymnasium),
Hailey Porter (O'Fallon, MO/Ft. Zumwalt West),
Taylor Amlong (Saint Peters, MO/Francis Howell Central ), and
Danielle Knutson (Maryville, IL/Collinsville )
Goalkeepers
"This year we have a very deep and competitive goalkeeper squad with a lot of talent and ability," said Strange.
Goalkeepers to Watch: Zoe Brochu (Ajax, Ontario, Canada/Pickering) and
Maddie Shea (Racine, WI/St. Catherines)
