As the Women’s Soccer season inches closer to its end, with only one week left, the team has a 4-10-2 overall record, 3-6-1 in-conference matches, with only one game left on the schedule.
The team saw a big change in philosophy this season with a formation change. With the implementation of a new 3-5-2 formation, a big change from last year’s 4-4-3 setup. Junior center forward and goalie Jorja Martin acknowledged the complexity of learning the new formation.
“It’s really tricky learning a new formation, especially with new people being added in the mix,” Martin said. “Our front line is really fast [this year], so switching that and adding the new people is the main reason for the change.”
Despite the initial struggles, Head coach Sara Matthews praised her players for embracing the changes and displaying remarkable progress in the later part of the season.
“The girls bought in, took hold, and really started to show progress here towards the end of the [season]. It’s really good that they stayed positive through it,” Matthews said.
Looking ahead, she hinted at the possibility of another formation shift next year, based on the talent and effort of the incoming freshman class and any potential additions to the team roster. Matthews stated, “We have a solid freshman class already, and will likely add to it which will change our strategy.”
The Wildcats are hopeful of making a post-season run. With one crucial away game against Mount Mercy remaining, the Wildcats are optimistic about their playoff hopes. Senior defender Aubree Koren highlighted the team’s focus on improving their scoring abilities, having averaged one goal per game throughout the season. Koren says “Throughout the year we have been playing well, we just have struggled to score.”
Matthews is still optimistic about the rest of the season and the team’s chance to get into one of the last playoff spots but notes that the other teams are fighting hard for it as well.
“We have to take care of our own results, and couple that with how other teams finish,” Matthews said. There’s still a handful of teams fighting for playoff spots. Nothing is set in stone, and we have a week left to prove ourselves.”
Koren also emphasized that the locker room chemistry has been great this year, despite all the changes and challenges.
“We are still very close and have no drama. Off the field we all have a good relationship,” Koren said.
She explains that having 18 upperclassmen on the roster has helped the younger players find their identity. She also said with the amount of juniors on the team this year, she is optimistic about next year’s roster, and that they will adapt to whatever formation they decide to play.
As for this season’s playoff aspirations, the Wildcats look to secure their spot in the playoffs against Mount Mercy in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Saturday, Oct. 28.
