Women's Soccer News

Season Review

All for Christ! The familiar cry of the Faith women's soccer team resonates with meaning. And although this program is still relatively young, it was that established identity that Coach Lundberg hoped to continue in his first season with the Eagles.

Stressing fundamentals, the Eagles' season was characterized by steady improvement at both the individual and team levels. Uncertainty surfaced when the 2011 campaign had a rocky start as center midfielder and captain, Amber McCool, broke her wrist in the first game of the season. Plagued with early season injuries, the Eagles were forced to juggle positions until about midseason when health returned and a noticeable improvement began.

Perhaps the best indicator of that improvement came from the scrimmages against the Grandview College JV team. A 0-7 loss at the start of the season was typical of past contests with this school. That early season loss was soon forgotten, however, when the Eagles pulled off the unthinkable 1-0 upset just five weeks later. That victory, although not recorded in the win column, gave this young team a boost of confidence heading into the end of the season.

Defined by their stingy defense which was bolstered by three all-region players, including region MVP and goalkeeper, Laura Fowler, the young Eagles continued to keep games close while struggling to find offensive continuity. The 2011 Eagles set a new school record giving up just 22 goals throughout the season for a 1.57 g.a.a. (goal against average). This improved upon last year's school record of 32 and is noticeably better than just two seasons ago (47).

Although their 4-10 record may not impress on paper, it grows in significance under closer scrutiny. Eight of the ten losses came against teams ranked in the NCCAA Top Ten. The ninth loss came against Buena Vista, a Division III school, whom the Eagles held to just three goals after allowing eight goals to the same team last season.

The season ended in dramatic fashion at the regional tournament in the frozen wasteland that is Otterburne, Canada. Seeded last and expected to lose to the higher seeded home team, Faith defeated nationally-ranked Providence in an exciting shootout to advance to the championship game. Unsatisfied with just reaching the championship game, the Eagles came out even stronger against North Central and played well despite the chilly and windy conditions. Although the Eagles had a strong offensive push in the second half, Faith was not able to capitalize and fell to the Rams by the score of 0-1.

Having an insatiable desire to improve and establishing themselves as a defensively minded unit led this team to a 4-10 season, making the games competitive and exciting to watch. The 2011 Eagles completed the season with the second most wins in school history, recorded three shutouts, and set a new school record with the fewest number of goals allowed in a single season (22).

Congratulations to the Eagles on a memorable season. The sacrifices made to be part of something bigger than yourself is a quality worth possessing. Words fail to capture the importance of and the investment made by each member of this team. But each one would be quick to tell you that all of it was done for the audience of One. All for Christ!

Four Ladies Selected to All Region Team

(10/29/11) Otterburne, Manitoba - Four member of the 2011 Faith Lady Eagle's squad were selected to the 2011 NCCAA II North Central All Region team at the regional tournament this past weekend. Three of the recipients were part of the Lady Eagle's record setting defense, while the fourth member was an important part of the offensive attack.

Sophomore keeper Laura Fowler was selected not only as a first team recipient, but also as the region MVP, a first for the young Faith program. Laura anchored a defense set a school record for GAA (goals against average) and was a major part of the Eagle's defeat of nationally ranked regional tournament host Providence College.

Defender Allison Walker was the second defender selected to the all region team. Allison played an important role in the stingy defense employed by the Eagles, as she organized the defense from her center back position. Allison also played a major role in the semi-final match with Providence, scoring the sudden death PK to send the Eagles into the championship.

Joining Allison and Laura on the all region squad was defender Chelsie Shepard. Chelsie is arguable the best one on one defender on the team, and was responsible for keeping the opposing forwards in check from her outside back position.

Along with Allison is freshman midfielder Jonna Leonard. Jonna provided the fans with some exciting soccer with her fancy footwork and nose for the goal. She finished the season second on the team in total goals, and provided the Eagles with a solid possession minded midfielder.