A year after straddling the breaking point of certifying its status as a member of the Northeast Conference elite, the Fairleigh Dickinson University women's soccer team enters the 2008 campaign with a clear-cut mentality: anything short of the postseason is unacceptable.  In her third season at the helm, Head Coach Renee Montana vividly remembers the acrid feeling of coming so close to obtaining team goals a season ago. 

           

This fall, seven starters and 12 letter winners return to the Metropolitan Campus.  Additionally, nine newcomers ? a goalkeeper, three defenders, two midfielders, and three forwards ? fortify the 2008 rendition of the Knights.

           

“We're coming off the disappointment of last year; finishing in a three-way tie for third place ? thinking we made the play-offs,” Montana said.  “Unfortunately, we ended up being the odd man out of the NEC Tournament.  This year, the coaching staff and players, fully expect to earn a spot in the postseason and make up for that disappointment.”

           

After a rough start last fall, Fairleigh Dickinson rebounded to finish its schedule, 7-4, in addition to compiling a 5-4 clip against league foes.  Such confidence obtained is immeasurable.  The Knights seek to build on said late-season momentum, beginning with their initial debut on the pitch.

           

“I'm looking for the team to elevate to a level of consistency that doesn't have a wide range of good versus bad play,” Montana said.  “It's imperative that we maintain a constant level, without our two types of play being so drastically different.  We must play each opponent as if it were the last game.”

           

Through the veteran coach's ten-year career, she's grown accustomed to upholding a winning tradition.  At Montana's prior stint at the College of Florham Campus, she rattled of four-consecutive winning seasons, including conference hardware.  She recognizes this team's talent, team chemistry, and consequent potential.

           

“We have more depth ? a larger roster ? which not only affords more in-game options, but the ability to conduct full-sided training,” Montana said.  “Now we can stress increased tactical and strategic principles in practice.  As simple as it sounds, the results will come, assuming we compete for a full 90 minutes.”

           

Red-shirt senior Amanda Wheeler (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee), a three-time NEC honoree, and sophomore Lisa-Marie Curti (Richmond Hill, Ontario/St. Theresa of Lisieux) return to anchor the defense.  The duo accounted for 36 starts and over 3,000 minutes a season prior.  Wheeler racked up five assists ? the third-best single-season output in program history ? two of which created game-winners.

           

Commented Montana, “We always look to Amanda's defensive leadership and knowledge.  She is a hard-playing talent who possesses a work ethic that is matched by very few.  I consider her the squad's backfield field general; the absolute voice that organizes our defense.”

           

Curti chipped-in a tandem of assists, while her threat to stretch the pitch off long throw-ins provides a unique asset.  On the other side, Lora Lehr (Rosemere, Quebec/Villa Maria) adds an outside back with offensive firepower.  With Wheeler and Curti's presence, FDU can widen the field through the junior's speed and subsequent sideline runs.  After being used primarily in the midfield as a rookie, Lehr (18 starts; 1,470 minutes) still finished last season with a goal and an assist in her new role.

           

“One of the biggest keys to the season is our defensive core, with three-of-four starters returning,” Montana said.  “Our system relies on a possession-oriented scheme; we are not a direct-playing team.  Fortunately with such stability, the transition for the fourth starter will be lessened.”

           

For a second-straight season, the Knights anticipate a 4-3-3 formation.

           

“Our defense, the back line and goalkeeper, has to be our strong point,” Montana affirmed.  “Everything starts there.  As long as we shut opponents down, offensively we will click.”

           

Returning goalkeepers senior Rachel Derrico (/Canon McMillan) and junior Megan MacKellar (/Brookwood) remain the favorites for the starting nod, but the position battle will remain open throughout preseason camp.  Derrico, the incumbent, started 17 contests and notched a trio of shutouts.  Yet, MacKellar's natural ability continues to fuel the competition.

           

Said Montana, “Last year, Rachel stepped up and did a very good, respectable job.  But through various circumstances, we spent the spring season with no keeper.  While it's Rachel's job to lose, I look forward to open competition between our three goalies.”

           

Juniors Jennifer Arceneaux (/Ralston Valley), Emma Howes (Avalon Beach, Sydney, Australia/Barranjoey) and Christine Niven (/Middleboro) return to the midfield slots.  The combination started a combined 49 games last season.  Meanwhile, sophomore Leah Halka (Stittsville, Ontario/Sacred Heart Catholic) provides Fairleigh Dickinson another option.

           

Katie Hilder (Caringbah, Sydney, Australia/Woolooware), also a junior, will bounce between the midfield and forward roles, after her 2007 campaign was cut short due to injury.  As a rookie, Hilder ? who represents one of FDU's co-captains for 2008, along with Arceneaux ? started all but one contest.

           

“I'm extremely comfortable with our team captain situation, because they lead in different categories and diverse ways,” Montana said.  “Katie's a quiet example on field and just gets it done. Jen's mature on-and-off the field and leads by fitness level, setting the bar.”

           

Offensively, senior forward Emma Yamada (/LaSalle Academy) is coming off a career-high, four-goal season.  In only 580 minutes, she registered nine points, including one game-winner.  Classmate Zaida Castillo (/Bishop George AHR) provides a quality finisher, as the attacker struck for one goal last year, also a game-winner.  As a sophomore, Castillo paced the Knights with four feeders.

           

“With the intention of utilizing three forwards, we will be very young up top ? perhaps even inexperienced,” Montana said.  “We have to get over that quickly.  It will be interesting at end of preseason to see who earns a spot in our line-up.”

           

Despite veteran poise in the midfield and forward roles, Montana anticipates all nine freshmen to log substantial minutes.  She anticipates that reality will drive her 10 upperclassmen all year.

           

“With numerous newcomers we have instantly improved,” Montana said.  “Each of these players will bring different strengths and levels of experience that compliments our core nicely.”

           

FDU's Head Coach continued, ““We were able to bring in some speed up top, play-making ability in the middle, toughness in the back, and experience in goal.  The additions will create a competitive atmosphere, with players challenging for a spot in the starting line-up.”

           

Freshman Stephanie Tanzi (Smithtown, NY/Smithtown West) brings her All-League credentials to University Field, representing the third goalkeeper competing for minutes.

           

“Stephanie brings a lot of high-level training and experience in goal,” Montana said.  “She should excel under the specific direction of our Goalkeeper Coach, Catherine Gordon.”

           

On the back line, freshman Amy Flanagan (Freehold, NJ/Freehold) arrives as a member of Freehold High's back-to-back State Group III championship squads that went 42-3-1.

           

“Amy will compete right away for a starting spot in the back,” Montana said.  “She has extensive knowledge as a defender and is an excellent addition for us.”

           

Fellow freshman defender, Sierra Griffiths (Emmaus, PA/Emmaus), played 72 games over her high school career, en route to winning three-straight Lehigh Valley Conference titles, and a pair of District XI championships as an upperclassman.

           

“Sierra is a solid all-around player with a good work ethic,” Montana said.  “She will also be competing for a spot in our back line.”

           

Freshman Alexis Pardo (Valhalla, NY/Westlake) rounds out the defensive imports, representing a four-time All-League and All-Section standout.  In her junior year, she led her section in assists.

           

“Alexis brings toughness to our defense that complements our other defenders,” Montana said.  “I look for Alexis to come in and challenge players from the start.”

           

The first of two Canadian, freshmen midfielders is Bailey Popowich (Yorkton, Saskatchewan/Yorkton Regional) ? a five-year member of the Saskatchewan Provincial Team.  In all four of her high school seasons, she paced her squad in goals, garnering Rookie of the Year acclaim and three-consecutive Most Valuable Player distinctions.

           

“Bailey comes from a strong club team in Canada,” Montana said.  “She will be a great addition in our midfield and should contribute immediately.”

           

Julie Woolridge (St. John's, Newfoundland/Bishops College) comes to Fairleigh Dickinson after spending five years at the Canadian Training Center ? Team Atlantic, complemented by the 2008 season spent with the Ottawa Fury.

           

“Julie comes from the same club team as Bailey, and adds an excellent work ethic, along with skill level and experience,” Montana said.  “I look for Julie to compete for a starting role quickly.”

           

FDU's new set of forwards includes Stephanie Austin (Canonsburg, PA/Canon McMillan), who as a senior earned Player of the Year prestige, en route to garnering WPIAL Section 5 honors.

           

Freshman Alexandria Hall (Jersey City, NJ/McNair) brings a trio of First Team All-County honors and one Second Team accolade from Jersey City to Teaneck.  In her senior season, she tallied 15 goals and nine assists.

           

“Ally will bring speed and a great work ethic to our front line,” Montana said.  “I am looking forward to her development, as she will come in and challenge immediately.”

           

The Knights' final addition, freshman forward Rashidah Sherman (Pelham Manor, NY/Pelham Memorial), compiled an array of honors as a senior, highlighted by NYSPHSAA Second Team All-State accolades, Pelham Booster Club All-League and All-Section acclaim, and Lower Hudson Athletic Conference All-League prestige.

           

“Rashidah brings a lot of skill, experience, and speed to the table,” Montana said.  “I am looking forward to her adding her abilities to our group of forwards.”

           

The maturation process for a large group of recruits is a distinct area of question.  Much of FDU's immediate success will rely on its rookies' reactions to the demands of the college game.  However, with that caveat comes a fresh window of opportunity.

           

“Undoubtedly, there's an interesting dynamic to this team, with the 12 returnees leading the way as to what's expected in this program,” Montana said.  “The freshmen need to come in, quickly adjust, and fit in.  The atmosphere of competition allows for no individual, or team, complacency.”

           

Continued Fairleigh Dickinson's Head Coach, “Since there's quite a bit of talent coming in, it's just a matter of finding the right combination. Once we're all on same page, I expect great things.”

           

The bar has been set for the FDU women's soccer team in 2008.  A year after reaching the bar, the Knights look to break through that mark via a berth in the NEC Tournament.  Should Montana's expectations be met, this fall holds the promise of a monumental run amidst the program's ninth year of existence.