Central Michigan University Athletics
Season Outlook: CMU Soccer Looks to Take the Next Step
8/19/2009 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
MOUNT PLEASANT — After a breakthrough 2008 campaign, the sky appears to be the limit for the Central Michigan University soccer team this fall.
After a streak of eight consecutive Mid-American Conference Tournament appearances was ended in 2007, the ’08 squad bounced back in a big way. CMU posted a strong 5-2 record in its non-conference slate, paving the way for one of the best seasons in program history.
The Chippewas began MAC play with a seven-match unbeaten streak and finished second in the conference with a 6-2-3 MAC record. It was the second time CMU had finished that high in the standings and the first occurrence since 1999.
CMU will see nine letterwinners and eight starters from last season’s squad back on the field in 2009. The returners are led by first team All-MAC performers in seniors Amanda Waugh (Burlington, Ont./Nelson SS) and Stephanie Martin (Chesterfield Township, Mich./Regina HS), two elite attackers who each finished in the top four in the MAC in scoring a year ago.
The Maroon and Gold also return a pair of All-MAC second team selections in goalkeeper Shay Mannino (Grosse Ile, Mich./Grosse Ile HS) and defender Liesel Toth (Victor, N.Y./Victor HS) along with MAC All-Freshman Team pick Claire Horton (Royal Oak, Mich./Royal Oak HS).
The 2009 season could be a special one for the Chippewas as they combine their accomplished veterans with a talented group of newcomers. CMU extended its recruiting area during the offseason, signing players out of the states of Texas and Massachusetts for the first time. The Chippewas efforts allowed them to bolster their roster with 10 freshmen, all of whom have the potential to contribute immediately.
“We had a good season last year, one that we have a chance to build on,” head coach Tom Anagnost, the 2008 MAC Coach of the Year, said. “The commitment level from our players is the highest it has been since I got here. While our sheer numbers are lower than what you would normally see, I think we have a deeper group with more quality players than we had a year ago.”
The Chippewas’ success once again carried over into the classroom, as the Maroon and Gold posted the nation’s top grade point average for the fourth straight year at 3.70.
“It is remarkable what the players have been able to accomplish in the classroom,” Anagnost said. “I’m so proud of the commitment our athletes have shown in their studies. It shows great character on their part.”
Forwards
The Chippewa attack scored 31 goals (fourth in the MAC) in 2008 and returns a great deal of its production this fall. While the squad loses Erica Rohren (four goals, seven assists), the team has a pair of seniors up front along with some incoming talent that could make this a dynamic attacking unit.
The forwards are led by seniors Waugh and Molly Gerst (Ada, Mich./Forest Hills Central HS) make up the foundation of CMU’s offense up front. Waugh earned first team All-MAC honors after finishing second in the league with 22 points (eight goals, six assists). She showed a knack for breaking out in defensive struggles as all three of her game-winning goals came in 1-0 wins, including the Chippewas’ MAC Tournament victory over Ball State. Gerst tallied 12 points (four goals, four assists) and is no stranger to the conference leaderboard either, as she finished third in the MAC with seven goals in 2007.
“Amanda is the face of our program,” Anagnost said. “She is the best person I have ever coached and the best leader I have ever seen. She is one of the best forwards in the MAC and we’re lucky to have her.
“Molly is very quick and technically sound. She has gotten better every year because she is one of the most committed people on the team. Her and Amanda are both great role models to lead our underclassmen and will be counted on offensively this year.”
After the two seniors, CMU boasts a talented group of youngsters eager to prove themselves this season. What the unit lacks in experience, it makes up for in spades with potential. Sophomore Chelsi Abbott (Woodstock, Ont./St. Mary’s SS) has the most experience after the top two up front while freshmen Laura Twidle (Mississauga, Ont./Erindale SS), Charlese McLemore (Grand Rapids, Mich./Grand Rapids Christian HS), Autumn Hawkins (Bloomington, Ind./Bloomington HS), Samantha Brenz (Cypress, Texas/Cy-Fair HS) and Brielle Heitman (Mahwah, N.J./Mahwah HS) each have a chance to contribute offensively.
“I feel we have a good amount of depth at the forward position,” Anagnost said. “The age of this unit isn’t an issue to me. All of our newcomers have enough talent to play right away at this level. We dealt with some injuries during the spring that pressed our younger players into action and we learned that we can win with our youth.”
Midfield
The Chippewas’ midfield boasts arguably the best player in the MAC and CMU annals in Martin. The midfielder is Central’s all-time leader in goals and she sits two points shy of owning the school record in that category as well. Last season, Martin finished second on the team in scoring with 20 points (eight goals, four assists) and led all MAC players with 97 shots, 20 more than the next closest player. Martin is also a tenacious defender who is just as comfortable marking an opposing forward as she is creating the attack.
“Stephanie is without a doubt the best player I have ever coached,” Anagnost said. “She strikes the ball with authority, is both quick and fast and she knows she has the ability to win a game for us by herself.”
Also returning at midfield for the Chippewas is junior Valerie Prause. Prause emerged as an important depth player for CMU last season, tallying four goals (tied for third on the team). Her presence will give CMU another veteran to lead a unit that will feature a lot of new faces.
“Valerie is a consummate team leader,” Anagnost said. “She is a fierce competitor and always gives everything she has. Those traits make her an extremely valuable player for us.”
A youngster who has a chance to make an instant impact in the lineup is freshman Ashley Mejilla (Mississauga, Ont./Loyola Catholic SS), who is regarded as a strong attacking midfielder. Junior Jenna Hill (Lake Orion, Mich./Lake Orion HS) saw playing time off the bench at this spot last year and will once again add quality depth to this position. Other players who could see time at midfield include Twidle and Gerst, along with Horton and freshman Bailey Brandon (Livonia, Mich./Livonia Churchill HS).
Defense
If defense wins championships, then the Chippewas will be on the short list of MAC contenders this fall.
CMU loses only one starter from a unit that posted a school-record 10 shutouts in 2008. The Maroon and Gold defense allowed only 13 goals and posted a 0.63 goals-against average, both school records.
While the group loses second team All-MAC pick Sarah Burns, Toth headlines a group of stout defenders. Toth’s strong positional play and intelligence earned her second team All-MAC honors following her freshman campaign.
Joining Toth on defense is MAC All-Freshman Team selection Horton and junior returner Kristen Pelkki (Saginaw, Mich./Heritage HS). Horton, like Toth, is another sophomore with an advanced feel for the game while Pelkki put together a solid 2008 campaign after battling injuries in previous seasons.
“Our defense has a lot of depth,” Anagnost said. “Liesel is an extraordinary defender who is great at both one-v-one and covering off the ball. Claire is a consistent player who does most things well and Kristen is a good athlete.”
Junior Jenna Hill, who has also subbed in at midfield in the past, will bolster the depth. The freshman quartet of Brandon, Katie Slaughter (Cincinnati, Ohio/Anderson HS) Bethany Allport (Lima, N.Y./Honeoye Falls HS) and Skylar Sabbag (Swampscott, Mass./Swampscott HS) also figures to vie for minutes on a strong defensive corps in 2009.
“Our freshmen on defense are all capable of making significant contributions right away,” Anagnost said. “Bailey is a great communicator and is brilliant in the air, Katie is a tremendous athlete and a great leaper, Skylar is a sound positional defender and Beth is one of our fastest players who adds an attacking element to the position.”
Goalkeepers
It is difficult to improve upon a record-setting season, but Central may be able to do that with its skill between the pipes.
Mannino played every minute in goal for the Chippewas in 2008 after splitting time in net as a freshman in 2007. Mannino went 12-5-3 with a 0.63 goals-against average, .847 save percentage and 10 shutouts. The shutouts and goals-against average were the best recorded in a single season by a CMU keeper while the 12 victories was the second most in school history. Her breakout performance garnered her All-MAC second team recognition.
“Shay is the hardest working player in the program,” Anagnost said. “Her sheer will is what makes her great.”
While Mannino has firmly entrenched herself as one of the top keepers in the conference, freshman Stefanie Turner (Livonia, Mich./Livonia Churchill HS) was one of Anagnost’s top recruits in the offseason and has a chance to see some minutes between the pipes.
“Stefanie has a lot of raw talent,” Anagnost said. “She will excel at this level with some coaching. Between the two of them, we expect to have tremendous depth in goal.”
Schedule
Two NCAA Tournament participants dot the Chippewas’ 2009 schedule. CMU opens its regular season slate at IPFW on Aug. 22. The Maroon and Gold face a challenging non-conference slate that features 2008 NCAA participant Michigan State (Sept. 6) along with Big Ten foes Michigan (Sept. 3) and Indiana (Aug. 30).
Central plays 10 of its 19 matches at home, beginning with its Aug. 28 opener against St. Bonaventure at the CMU Soccer Complex. The Chippewas host six of their 11 MAC opponents in Kent State (Oct. 2), Buffalo (Oct. 4), Ball State (Oct. 9), Miami (Oct. 11), Bowling Green (Oct. 23) and defending MAC champion Toledo (Oct. 25).
The top eight teams qualify for the MAC Tournament with the top four squads hosting quarterfinal matches on Nov. 1. The remaining four teams play semifinal contests at the highest remaining seed in the tournament on Nov. 6 and Nov. 8.
After a streak of eight consecutive Mid-American Conference Tournament appearances was ended in 2007, the ’08 squad bounced back in a big way. CMU posted a strong 5-2 record in its non-conference slate, paving the way for one of the best seasons in program history.
The Chippewas began MAC play with a seven-match unbeaten streak and finished second in the conference with a 6-2-3 MAC record. It was the second time CMU had finished that high in the standings and the first occurrence since 1999.
CMU will see nine letterwinners and eight starters from last season’s squad back on the field in 2009. The returners are led by first team All-MAC performers in seniors Amanda Waugh (Burlington, Ont./Nelson SS) and Stephanie Martin (Chesterfield Township, Mich./Regina HS), two elite attackers who each finished in the top four in the MAC in scoring a year ago.
The Maroon and Gold also return a pair of All-MAC second team selections in goalkeeper Shay Mannino (Grosse Ile, Mich./Grosse Ile HS) and defender Liesel Toth (Victor, N.Y./Victor HS) along with MAC All-Freshman Team pick Claire Horton (Royal Oak, Mich./Royal Oak HS).
The 2009 season could be a special one for the Chippewas as they combine their accomplished veterans with a talented group of newcomers. CMU extended its recruiting area during the offseason, signing players out of the states of Texas and Massachusetts for the first time. The Chippewas efforts allowed them to bolster their roster with 10 freshmen, all of whom have the potential to contribute immediately.
“We had a good season last year, one that we have a chance to build on,” head coach Tom Anagnost, the 2008 MAC Coach of the Year, said. “The commitment level from our players is the highest it has been since I got here. While our sheer numbers are lower than what you would normally see, I think we have a deeper group with more quality players than we had a year ago.”
The Chippewas’ success once again carried over into the classroom, as the Maroon and Gold posted the nation’s top grade point average for the fourth straight year at 3.70.
“It is remarkable what the players have been able to accomplish in the classroom,” Anagnost said. “I’m so proud of the commitment our athletes have shown in their studies. It shows great character on their part.”
Forwards
The Chippewa attack scored 31 goals (fourth in the MAC) in 2008 and returns a great deal of its production this fall. While the squad loses Erica Rohren (four goals, seven assists), the team has a pair of seniors up front along with some incoming talent that could make this a dynamic attacking unit.
The forwards are led by seniors Waugh and Molly Gerst (Ada, Mich./Forest Hills Central HS) make up the foundation of CMU’s offense up front. Waugh earned first team All-MAC honors after finishing second in the league with 22 points (eight goals, six assists). She showed a knack for breaking out in defensive struggles as all three of her game-winning goals came in 1-0 wins, including the Chippewas’ MAC Tournament victory over Ball State. Gerst tallied 12 points (four goals, four assists) and is no stranger to the conference leaderboard either, as she finished third in the MAC with seven goals in 2007.
“Amanda is the face of our program,” Anagnost said. “She is the best person I have ever coached and the best leader I have ever seen. She is one of the best forwards in the MAC and we’re lucky to have her.
“Molly is very quick and technically sound. She has gotten better every year because she is one of the most committed people on the team. Her and Amanda are both great role models to lead our underclassmen and will be counted on offensively this year.”
After the two seniors, CMU boasts a talented group of youngsters eager to prove themselves this season. What the unit lacks in experience, it makes up for in spades with potential. Sophomore Chelsi Abbott (Woodstock, Ont./St. Mary’s SS) has the most experience after the top two up front while freshmen Laura Twidle (Mississauga, Ont./Erindale SS), Charlese McLemore (Grand Rapids, Mich./Grand Rapids Christian HS), Autumn Hawkins (Bloomington, Ind./Bloomington HS), Samantha Brenz (Cypress, Texas/Cy-Fair HS) and Brielle Heitman (Mahwah, N.J./Mahwah HS) each have a chance to contribute offensively.
“I feel we have a good amount of depth at the forward position,” Anagnost said. “The age of this unit isn’t an issue to me. All of our newcomers have enough talent to play right away at this level. We dealt with some injuries during the spring that pressed our younger players into action and we learned that we can win with our youth.”
Midfield
The Chippewas’ midfield boasts arguably the best player in the MAC and CMU annals in Martin. The midfielder is Central’s all-time leader in goals and she sits two points shy of owning the school record in that category as well. Last season, Martin finished second on the team in scoring with 20 points (eight goals, four assists) and led all MAC players with 97 shots, 20 more than the next closest player. Martin is also a tenacious defender who is just as comfortable marking an opposing forward as she is creating the attack.
“Stephanie is without a doubt the best player I have ever coached,” Anagnost said. “She strikes the ball with authority, is both quick and fast and she knows she has the ability to win a game for us by herself.”
Also returning at midfield for the Chippewas is junior Valerie Prause. Prause emerged as an important depth player for CMU last season, tallying four goals (tied for third on the team). Her presence will give CMU another veteran to lead a unit that will feature a lot of new faces.
“Valerie is a consummate team leader,” Anagnost said. “She is a fierce competitor and always gives everything she has. Those traits make her an extremely valuable player for us.”
A youngster who has a chance to make an instant impact in the lineup is freshman Ashley Mejilla (Mississauga, Ont./Loyola Catholic SS), who is regarded as a strong attacking midfielder. Junior Jenna Hill (Lake Orion, Mich./Lake Orion HS) saw playing time off the bench at this spot last year and will once again add quality depth to this position. Other players who could see time at midfield include Twidle and Gerst, along with Horton and freshman Bailey Brandon (Livonia, Mich./Livonia Churchill HS).
Defense
If defense wins championships, then the Chippewas will be on the short list of MAC contenders this fall.
CMU loses only one starter from a unit that posted a school-record 10 shutouts in 2008. The Maroon and Gold defense allowed only 13 goals and posted a 0.63 goals-against average, both school records.
While the group loses second team All-MAC pick Sarah Burns, Toth headlines a group of stout defenders. Toth’s strong positional play and intelligence earned her second team All-MAC honors following her freshman campaign.
Joining Toth on defense is MAC All-Freshman Team selection Horton and junior returner Kristen Pelkki (Saginaw, Mich./Heritage HS). Horton, like Toth, is another sophomore with an advanced feel for the game while Pelkki put together a solid 2008 campaign after battling injuries in previous seasons.
“Our defense has a lot of depth,” Anagnost said. “Liesel is an extraordinary defender who is great at both one-v-one and covering off the ball. Claire is a consistent player who does most things well and Kristen is a good athlete.”
Junior Jenna Hill, who has also subbed in at midfield in the past, will bolster the depth. The freshman quartet of Brandon, Katie Slaughter (Cincinnati, Ohio/Anderson HS) Bethany Allport (Lima, N.Y./Honeoye Falls HS) and Skylar Sabbag (Swampscott, Mass./Swampscott HS) also figures to vie for minutes on a strong defensive corps in 2009.
“Our freshmen on defense are all capable of making significant contributions right away,” Anagnost said. “Bailey is a great communicator and is brilliant in the air, Katie is a tremendous athlete and a great leaper, Skylar is a sound positional defender and Beth is one of our fastest players who adds an attacking element to the position.”
Goalkeepers
It is difficult to improve upon a record-setting season, but Central may be able to do that with its skill between the pipes.
Mannino played every minute in goal for the Chippewas in 2008 after splitting time in net as a freshman in 2007. Mannino went 12-5-3 with a 0.63 goals-against average, .847 save percentage and 10 shutouts. The shutouts and goals-against average were the best recorded in a single season by a CMU keeper while the 12 victories was the second most in school history. Her breakout performance garnered her All-MAC second team recognition.
“Shay is the hardest working player in the program,” Anagnost said. “Her sheer will is what makes her great.”
While Mannino has firmly entrenched herself as one of the top keepers in the conference, freshman Stefanie Turner (Livonia, Mich./Livonia Churchill HS) was one of Anagnost’s top recruits in the offseason and has a chance to see some minutes between the pipes.
“Stefanie has a lot of raw talent,” Anagnost said. “She will excel at this level with some coaching. Between the two of them, we expect to have tremendous depth in goal.”
Schedule
Two NCAA Tournament participants dot the Chippewas’ 2009 schedule. CMU opens its regular season slate at IPFW on Aug. 22. The Maroon and Gold face a challenging non-conference slate that features 2008 NCAA participant Michigan State (Sept. 6) along with Big Ten foes Michigan (Sept. 3) and Indiana (Aug. 30).
Central plays 10 of its 19 matches at home, beginning with its Aug. 28 opener against St. Bonaventure at the CMU Soccer Complex. The Chippewas host six of their 11 MAC opponents in Kent State (Oct. 2), Buffalo (Oct. 4), Ball State (Oct. 9), Miami (Oct. 11), Bowling Green (Oct. 23) and defending MAC champion Toledo (Oct. 25).
The top eight teams qualify for the MAC Tournament with the top four squads hosting quarterfinal matches on Nov. 1. The remaining four teams play semifinal contests at the highest remaining seed in the tournament on Nov. 6 and Nov. 8.
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