Soccer Looking to Build on Early Momentum
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Fresh off a 1-0 victory over Jacksonville, the University of Miami women’s soccer team will look to continue momentum this weekend with matches against Stetson and FAU.
Head coach Mary-Frances Monroe said a review of film from the team’s close 2-1 loss to FGCU helped prepare the Hurricanes (1-3-0) for their recent win against the Dolphins.
“I believe we created a lot of opportunities in that [FGCU] game and didn’t capitalize on them,” Monroe said. “Going into Jacksonville, we really wanted to focus on getting into the attack and creating more dangerous chances. I believe we did that.”
Despite the eventual gamewinner from senior Erin McGovern in the early stages of the second half, Monroe said that the team could have had a more comfortable advantage.
She is hopeful the team does a better job of that against the Hatters (Friday, 7 p.m).
“We were unfortunate not to get a few more goals. We missed an open net, we missed a breakaway…there are a few things we still need to be plugged on,” she said. “Stetson will be a great test for us, to show that we can finally click and have everything connect.”
Even with a grueling ACC schedule ahead of them, the Hurricanes have started a tough nonconference slate that included showdowns with No. 9 Florida and No. 22 UCF, as well as an upcoming cross-country trip with No. 14 Portland and Washington on the docket.
First, however, two more Sunshine State foes arrive at Cobb Stadium to wrap up a four-match homestand.
The Hurricanes hold a 8-1-0 all-time series advantage over the Hatters (0-3-1), but have not competed head-to-head since 2010. Miami topped FAU 2-1 in last year’s contest.
“I believe it’s important you have to play the best to be the best,” Monroe said. “As we crafted our 2014 fall schedule, we slotted in teams across the top 25. But Florida has great competition across the state, so it’s crucial to play as many in-state programs as possible.”
Monroe is confident that her team’s performance against Jacksonville will transition into the weekend.
“Our defensive backs did a really good job of keeping their shape and doing the little things. We focused on the little details we talk about every day in training,” Monroe said. “I also believe our midfield did a good job of trying to switch the point of attack, and also getting numbers forward.”
McGovern was the benefactor, tallying her second goal of the season in the 49th minute of the 1-0 win. The Oradell, N.J., native is one of a number of veterans that Monroe and her staff have relied upon in the early going.
“They’ve been through it before, and they keep our team in a positive place when we’re successful and when we’re not successful,” she said. “They keep our team in a place where we’re gritting it out every day and getting better.”
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