Well, our season has come to an end with a 1-0 loss to Texas in the Sweet 16. The first loss of the season is a bitter pill to swallow seeing as how we controlled most of the game and only gave up one chance on goal. The lone Texas chance came only a minute and a half into the game when Texas was able to win a 50/50 ball and counter attack finding a wide forward who hit the ball off of the far post and in for the only goal of the match. We controlled most of the possession and spent much of the game in their half but we could only create one solid scoring opportunity as Texas defended very well.
The scene after the game was an interesting one though. In years past, when we have been knocked out early there are typically a lot of tears. There were tears today but there was more of a sense of disbelief than anything else. The girls know they played hard and left everything on the field.
We say goodbye to three seniors this year. Two captains and one that always acted like a captain showing leadership throughout the season.
Forward Mackenzie Fleischer worked very hard on and off of the field. Mackenzie was responsible for all of the team apparel and fan apparel that so many of you took advantage of. She has been a committed, hard working player for the past four years and her leadership will be hard to replace.
Forward/Midfielder Michelle Mirasol was one of more versatile players we have had. She allowed us to have a very flexible line up as I could move her from position to position and always get a high level of play. A very determined and skillful player who always had a smile on her face.
Outside Back Blaire Wolski, our first Alabama girl showed strong leadership throughout the season and provided us with strong play as a tough outside back. Blaire's goal celebration after scoring against Michigan this year will be one that stays with me for a long time it was pure joy and a true celebration befitting an outside back who doesn't score much.
The girls had a great season and have really helped take the program into a new era. No longer is just getting to Nationals a good season. We have set a standard and an expectation that we will make it past the Sweet 16 and compete for National Championships on a yearly basis. We fell short this year but I know that these three seniors have left us in a place where a second national championship is not far off.
We finish the season with only one loss. A very cruel loss in that we were the better team but we are headed home having fell short of our goal this year. I am excited to see what this young team will do in the next few years. The have been shown a great example of leadership this year. They have seen that the standards and expectations here are very high, and they have felt the sting of falling short of our goal.
We end the season with a record of 11-1-3 and as one of the top 16 teams in the nation. Not too shabby.
The scene after the game was an interesting one though. In years past, when we have been knocked out early there are typically a lot of tears. There were tears today but there was more of a sense of disbelief than anything else. The girls know they played hard and left everything on the field.
We say goodbye to three seniors this year. Two captains and one that always acted like a captain showing leadership throughout the season.
Forward Mackenzie Fleischer worked very hard on and off of the field. Mackenzie was responsible for all of the team apparel and fan apparel that so many of you took advantage of. She has been a committed, hard working player for the past four years and her leadership will be hard to replace.
Forward/Midfielder Michelle Mirasol was one of more versatile players we have had. She allowed us to have a very flexible line up as I could move her from position to position and always get a high level of play. A very determined and skillful player who always had a smile on her face.
Outside Back Blaire Wolski, our first Alabama girl showed strong leadership throughout the season and provided us with strong play as a tough outside back. Blaire's goal celebration after scoring against Michigan this year will be one that stays with me for a long time it was pure joy and a true celebration befitting an outside back who doesn't score much.
The girls had a great season and have really helped take the program into a new era. No longer is just getting to Nationals a good season. We have set a standard and an expectation that we will make it past the Sweet 16 and compete for National Championships on a yearly basis. We fell short this year but I know that these three seniors have left us in a place where a second national championship is not far off.
We finish the season with only one loss. A very cruel loss in that we were the better team but we are headed home having fell short of our goal this year. I am excited to see what this young team will do in the next few years. The have been shown a great example of leadership this year. They have seen that the standards and expectations here are very high, and they have felt the sting of falling short of our goal.
We end the season with a record of 11-1-3 and as one of the top 16 teams in the nation. Not too shabby.