Photo courtesy QBSN
By Matt Dillane
Following a disappointing 2014 campaign, Quinnipiac women’s soccer head coach Dave Clarke knew he had to change something.
So he took matters into his own hands, recruiting not just across the country, but also overseas to bring in a large and diverse group of freshmen to bolster the roster.
Faced with seven players leaving the team, Clarke expects freshmen goal scorers to add firepower to an offense that averaged a meager 0.6 goals per game last season. The last time Quinnipiac averaged more than one goal per game was the 2011 season when it averaged 1.23.
“Our coaching staff and I took a critical look at the program, on and off the field, and tried to recruit players who bought into our goals, who were committed student-athletes and who could help us win the MAAC,” Clarke said. “The priority was to add depth, competition, speed and attacking talent and I think we have done that with this group.”
Entering his 17th year at the helm, Clarke faces the new challenge of leading an inexperienced team for the 2015 campaign. “We will be young this fall, so we will have a lot of ups and downs as so many players make the transition to college life. I have never had as large a recruiting class before, so it will be a learning curve for all involved. Patience will be key.”
Clarke will turn to his returning players to help lead this young group and find consistency among the team. Rising junior Jessica Fontaine will once again be in a key role. The dependable midfielder will spearhead the offense, as she led the team in points last season appearing in all 16 games. Natalia Grodzki will be returning to mind the net for her senior season.
The Bobcats will play 20 matches total. Clark scheduled three preseason games and seven tough tests outside of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference to prepare his squad for conference play. The team opens up the regular season on Aug. 24 at home against Holy Cross. On Sept. 19, Quinnipiac begins MAAC play facing last years champion, Rider. The Broncs return most of the weapons that helped the team to a conference title. This matchup will provide the Bobcats with a chance to make a strong statement to the rest of the league as conference games get underway. Another game, Oct. 10 against Monmouth, will yet again be a test. This time, the Bobcats have last year’s regular season champs.
While offense is the main focus, Clarke expects the same solid defense his team has had for the past few seasons. Quinnipiac has allowed 1.49 goals per game or less for the last three seasons. Coach Clarke expects instant new contributors to the team. “I think they will help change the mentality of the program and bring out the best in our returning players. They should have an immediate impact on and off the field and in time establish themselves as one of the top teams in the MAAC.”
After last year’s 9th place finish, expectations are low for Clarke’s young squad, however, if the new players are able to step up and contribute while complimenting the returning starters, Quinnipiac could emerge as one of the MAAC’s surprise teams. Expect this squad to challenge for a playoff spot by finishing around .500 in conference.
