Defense Key for Golden Eagles

Oct. 2, 2008

- Written By: David Kennison -- Marquette Athletics Media Relations

The old sports adage goes, "Offense wins games but defense hangs banners." If that mantra holds true for the Marquette University women's soccer team, then the rafters of the Al McGuire Center may be getting some new company in the weeks ahead.

Eleven games into the 2008 season, the Golden Eagles are 13th nationally in defense and second in the BIG EAST Conference, having surrendered just five goals in posting a .425 goals-against average. Marquette has posted six shutouts including Sunday's 1-0 blanking of BIG EAST opponent Connecticut. Anchored by the experienced back-line of seniors Katie Kelly and Shannon Cusick as well as juniors Katie Miller and Allison McBride, defense is the calling card of this year's squad.

"We take a lot of pride in our defense. It doesn't necessarily show up in the stat column but I think it's more about making sure the opposing team is aware of our presence at all times," said Katie Kelly. "Winning every 50/50 ball and tackling hard is a constant reminder for the other team."

Despite an offense that has struggled at times to find the back of the net, the Golden Eagles boast a 6-3-2 overall record, and at 2-0-1 are tied with West Virginia for first in the American Division of the BIG EAST. While the defense has been stingy, Miller is quick to acknowledge the success has been a team effort.

"Just as we expect those up top to play defense, we are also expected to generate offense and it's really all about the team. When the defense can get involved in the offense up top it just creates that much more pressure on the other team," she said.

The defensive success is particularly noteworthy considering Marquette lost All-BIG EAST goalkeeper Laura Boyer to graduation and has had to adjust to two new keepers in junior Chelsey Turner and red-shirt Freshman Natalie Kulla, neither of whom had previously seen action for the Golden Eagles

"Playing with Boyer was so natural because she had been here so long, but with each game we're growing more and more comfortable with the new keepers," said Cusick.

"It's been really exciting to watch them improve and grow with them, they've been just outstanding" added Kelly.

Goalies are not the only fresh faces on the pitch for Marquette. With just three seniors on the roster in Kelly, Cusick, and Kelli DeBarge, the defenders recognize their additional responsibilities as team leaders.

"Leadership is passed down from the girls who come before you, and little by little you grow into that role," noted McBride.

Not that it necessarily comes easy.

"It's been an interesting journey becoming a leader in my senior season," said Kelly. I think I've become more vocal and Shannon Cusick and I are probably the most vocal on the field."

It would be a mistake, however, to attribute Marquette's early season success merely to a dominant defense and a calming leadership presence. There's something else going on at Valley Fields. Show up to any Marquette game about 30 minutes before kickoff and witness what makes this group so unique.

To the naked eye, what ensues more closely resembles a dance party in cleats than an elite soccer team gearing up for a critical match. As the opponent rigorously grinds through stretching and fundamentals, Marquette players are busy grooving to Chris Brown and doing the `Cupid Shuffle.'

Not that the warmup doesn't serve its purpose.

"I love the fact that it gets the other teams' attention because they aren't focused on themselves anymore but are focused on us and how ridiculous we look," said Kelly.

"I think it's a true representation of our team and all the personalities we have," said McBride.

Cusick concurred, noting it's also about more than just the dance moves.

"It puts people at ease as far as pre-game jitters. You can just let it all out and release that extra energy. But when it's time to get serious, we get down to business."

In other words, once the dancing starts the opposition is usually in for 90 minutes or more of frustration.

Better make some room in those rafters.