Marquette University Athletics
MU Hosts Loyola (Ill.) Sunday to Open 2008 Season
8/22/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Aug. 22, 2008
MILWAUKEE -
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The Marquette women's soccer team officially opens the 2008 season when it plays host Loyola (Ill.) Sunday, Aug. 24, at 7:30 p.m., at Valley Fields. The season opener is part of a five-match homestand through Sept. 6. The first 500 fans at the match on Sunday will receive a free 2008 Marquette soccer magnetic schedule.
"Our team has worked incredibly hard over the past couple of weeks and it is time for us to play a game that counts," said head coach Markus Roeders. "Loyola is well coached, organized and has had much success, reaching the NCAA Tournament in 2006 and 2007. We expect a great match at Valley Fields."
The Golden Eagles are 7-6-2 all-time in season openers and 7-4-1 under head coach Markus Roeders. Marquette stands 6-3-1 when its season debut is played at Valley Fields. The Golden Eagles have won their last three season openers with wins over No. 13 Illinois (1-0) in 2005, Bowling Green (3-0) in 2006 and Washington (2-0) in 2007. The Golden Eagles are 3-1 all-time against the Ramblers.
Marquette, who was picked to finish third in the BIG EAST American Division welcomes back 19 letterwinners and six starters for the 2008 campaign. MU will have 60.5 percent of its scoring back from 2007, led by sophomore Ashley Bares who was second on the team with 16 points. Marquette will also have an experienced backline anchored by All-BIG EAST Preseason selection Katie Kelly, fellow senior Shannon Cusick, and junior Katie Miller. Joining the team this year are eight newcomers.
The Golden Eagles recently concluded a successful yet demanding preseason training camp at Camp Witcomb in Merton, Wis. Roeders is confident the strong bond the team has formed will equate to success on the field throughout the season. In its lone exhibition match of the season, Marquette defeated Wisconsin, 2-1, last Saturday. Junior Michelle Compty and freshman Danielle Martens accounted for both of MU's goals against the Badgers.
"Pre-season is physically and mentally demanding, but our squad has formed a strong bond already and strength in numbers will be part of our success this fall. We are deep in all positions and we have talent. Once we play a game, we will continue to make adjustments and build on improving. Sunday night should be an excellent opportunity for our fans to enjoy the home open under the lights at Valley Fields. It will be a special atmosphere, and all of us are excited to get the season started," said Roeders.
Loyola, two-time Horizon League Tournament champions, welcomes back eight starters from last season's squad including 2007 Horizon League Player of the Year Cynthia Morote-Ariza. Loyola was picked to finish second in the Horizon League's preseason poll behind Milwaukee. The Ramblers will play at DePaul on Friday before crossing the border to Wisconsin on Sunday.
