Photo courtesy Quinnipiac Athletics
By: Pat Pitts
The ending of the 2015 season was less than desirable for the Quinnipiac women’s soccer team. It fell short of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference playoffs following a 2-0 loss to rival Siena. But, that is not to say that the season didn’t bring progress. With their 13 freshmen, the Bobcats finished just one spot out of the playoffs, seventh in the MAAC.
The freshmen instantly became a catalyst for Dave Clarke’s team by bringing a struggling bottom three offense in 2014, to a well-oiled machine in 2015.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Last season, the Bobcats thrived on the offensive end. Finishing fifth in points (91) and goals per game (1.71). They also led the conference in assists per game (1.94).
While they were successful offensively, Quinnipiac struggled defensively.
It ranked in the bottom half of the conference in goals against (1.79), saves (71) and shutouts (2). Also, they ranked third in fouls.
Key Players moving Forward:
Quinnipiac saw major contribution from its freshmen last season such as Nadia Gill and Jess Gargan. They represent two out of the 19 underclassmen on the roster this upcoming Fall. Gill led the team in points (19), goals (8) and shots (53). Gargan was third in points (10) and goals (4), as well as second in shots (34). Head coach Dave Clarke believes the quantity of underclassmen will bring his team great success in the coming years.
“Over the next 2 years, we have 19 freshman and sophomores. So they’ll be 19 juniors and seniors in 2017-2018. You would hope with full time training they’re going to get stronger, fitter, and on the ball they’re going to get better.”
Clarke discussed how Gill and Gargan are a different type of underclassmen because they bring real world experience. Gill represented Canada in the U-17 World Cup and Gargan represented Ireland on the U-17 National Team and was just named to the U-19 team for the elite round of the 2016 UEFA European Championships.
Last season’s breakout star, Gill, has been working all summer on bettering herself for the upcoming season.
“I stayed on campus all summer,” Gill stated. “Working out and getting ready for the upcoming season. Working on my weaknesses to try and improve everything I can.”
Gill established herself as a crucial part of the team early in the 2015 season by knocking in an overtime goal against top ranked Monmouth. Following that game, she led the team in goals and game winning goals, and was third on the team in assists.
Gill understands her new leadership role for this Fall.
“From coming in as a freshman and being on a national team, I know what is expected at a young age of being a leader. I understand what the freshman are feeling coming in.”
Who’s in Net?
Quinnipiac lost senior goalkeeper Natalia Grodzki to graduation. With her departure, there are questions surrounding who Clarke is going to choose to fill the space between the pipes.
One option is sophomore Devan Malcolm. Malcolm did not a play a single minute last season. She received her first opportunity in net during the spring league.
“Devan played in the spring games and did well,” Clarke said. “So it will give her a chance to stake her claim.”
Malcolm is not the only goalkeeper this season. Two incoming freshman will give her a run for her money. One being Charlotte Edmunds.
“Charlotte, who plays for Wales, played in the Premier League for West Brom.” Clarke said. “She’s a 19 year old freshman, so she’s got age and experience on our side.”
The other is Olivia Myszewski from Wisconsin. In her senior season, Myszewski finished 20-0 and was named the Wisconsin Player of the Year as well as an All-American by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.
“We suddenly have competition where Olivia Charlotte and Devan are going to push each other,” Clarke said.
Quinnipiac starts its season at home against Toledo on August 19. The season opener will be the first meeting between the two teams. Toledo finished last season sixth in the Mid-Atlantic Conference (9-12-0).
