Women’s soccer team optimistic about near future

Emma Carmichael Guest Writer

After years of less-than-spectacular league play and cycling through four different coaches in as many years, the Vassar women’s soccer team is finally finding itself on even ground.
With a strong base of upperclassmen, a brand new coach, and a talented freshmen class, the future of women’s soccer at Vassar looks promising.

In the spring of 2006, Vassar hired Richard Moller, who was formally Head Recruiter and Assistant Coach at Division I Dartmouth College. Moller’s own soccer career is impressive: Originally from Germany, he played on the German Youth National Team and for the Club team I.F.C. Kaiserslautern before coming to the U.S. in 1995 to play for Towson College. At Towson he was an All-American Scholar athlete and was named America East Player of the Year in 1998.

The effect of the hard work put forth by both Moller and his players thus far was evident last Wednesday, Sept. 7, when Vassar hosted its first game of the year against Saint Joseph’s. The Brewers fell 3-2 even though they out-shot the Golden Hawks 27-9. Forwards Molly Mackin ’10 and Anna Robinson ’10 both scored in their first collegiate game, and the teams were deadlocked at 2-2 until Jessica Durant, of St. Joseph’s, scored the winning goal with just 9:23 left in the game.

Moller says he saw significant improvements in his team, especially on the offensive side.

“I felt really good despite the loss. In a pre-season match against Dominican, we had plenty of chances but couldn’t score, and against St. Joseph’s we had plenty of chances and we were able to score,” said Moller. “That’s a huge positive.”

“I know we have tremendous potential. I’m excited about the year because I have a group that is willing to work hard. We are looking brighter and brighter every day because we work hard. We know what we’re capable of and if we work together good things will happen for us.”

Moller’s obvious trust in his players spans from the new freshmen to the experienced seniors.
The 20-player roster boasts seven freshmen, about whom Moller says, “I don’t even feel like they’re freshmen…They compliment each other and the upperclassmen. They are capable of filling in our holes on the field and taking us to the next level.”

He is equally as confident in his three co-captains, Lisa Strumwasser ’07, Kate Bossange ’07, and Ali Fantl ’07.

“Our captains are tremendous. They have a great amount of experience, but more importantly they’re great people and players as well. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of seniors in my first year.”

“This year our team goal is to be successful in Conference play. We’re going to give it our all and try to make the Conference tournament. For this team and for next year’s team, we are going to the next level."

The team’s next game is Friday, Sept. 15, at 4 p.m. They will take on New York University at home.