Women's Soccer Season Wrap Up
The 2012 soccer season began with a lot of question marks for the Lady Eagles. Numbers were down, many on the team were new to the sport, and the team had no goalkeeper. Led by their four seniors, however, these Eagles...
The 2012 soccer season began with a lot of question marks for the Lady Eagles. Numbers were down, many on the team were new to the sport, and the team had no goalkeeper. Led by their four seniors, however, these Eagles refused to make excuses. They worked hard, found answers to the questions, and finished the season at 4-7. By doing so, they posted the most wins in back-to-back seasons in the history of the program. This was a fitting conclusion for these seniors as they also posted more wins in their four years than any other graduating class.
The learning curve was steep as the year began in late August. An early season scrimmage against Grand View JV had to be postponed allowing more time to train a keeper. The first match came quickly and Faith was overwhelmed against a strong North Central team that would win the region title come season end. However, each week was marked by improvement and an increase in scoring productivity from last year was encouraging. The team posted the highest goal per game average in six years. The rejuvenated offense would prove necessary as the defense experienced some early growing pains.
The defense solidified when senior Amber McCool was moved from midfield to sweeper and sophomore Andi Gates recovered from an early season injury. The difference was readily seen in the two games played against Lincoln Christian College. The first game was dominated by LCC as the game ended with a 3-1 loss for the Eagles. Facing them just two weeks later, the much improved defense held the Red Lions scoreless and Faith posted a 1-0 victory at home.
The highlight of the season came on the road against Robert Morris Lake County. The contest was held on a bitterly cold and windy afternoon. Faith took an early lead, as Kirsten Passwaters scored on a breakaway three minutes into the game for the quick 1-0 lead. Ten minutes later Elizabeth Hemsworth would crack the Lake County defense off an assist from Jessie LaFleur. Lake County would respond with a goal of their own but Faith had their best offensive showing of the season and won the game 4-1.
For the season, the Eagles were lead in scoring by Kirsten Passwaters with five goals which ranks as the fourth best single season total ever for a Lady Eagle. It also moved her into third place all-time for career goals in just her second year at Faith. The team posted the highest winning percentage since 2005 and tied last year's team for second most wins in a season. Faith will miss the leadership of seniors Amber McCool, Jessica LaFleur, Stephanie Carleton, and Chelsie Shepard but look to return a number of improving underclassmen. Congratulations to the Eagles on another memorable season.
