Amherst girls soccer striving for better results

Sophomore Casey Carr is one of several returning players for Amherst Central. Carr will most likely play at attack. Photo by John Rusac Purchase color photos at www.BeeNews.com

With several returning players from last year, Amherst heads into the 2007 season wanting to improve on last year's 7-8-1 record. Goals include winning the ECIC Division III title and advancing in the Section VI tournament.

Amherst coach JoAnna Fildes knows what is needed to make those plateaus a reality.

"We need to stay healthy and train hard each and every practice to prepare ourselves for the postseason," said Fildes.

Although no starters have been named, there are many players coming back.

Sophomore Casey McGuire is the goalkeeper. Last season, McGuire recorded three shutouts and made 80 percent of her saves (118 of 146 shots).

"She is a true competitor," said Fildes. "She brings an athletic sense between the posts and makes some incredible saves. Her technical skill and heads up play allow her to be the backbone of our team."

Defensively, senior Ariella Korn, juniors Paula Jones and Mikaela Maddock, and sophomore Erin VanLente should see time with juniors Jenna Klein and Molly Schriever on their heels battling for a starting position in the back.

Jones, a four-year starter, has the most experience and will most likely play in the defensive third and midfield. A returning ECIC Division III first team all-star, Jones is a versatile player that has a passion for soccer, said Fildes.

"Her technical skill with the ball and knowledge of the game allows her to be productive anywhere," she added.

Maddock, a returning starter, has speed and skill that allows her to mark any attacker, Fildes said.

Korn is a two-year varsity starter that brings speed and maturity, said Fildes.

VanLente, who played in sectionals last year, brings strength, speed and an incredible awareness for shutting down the opponent's attack, said Fildes.

The Lady Tigers have a ton of experience in the midfield with senior Meagan Hurley, junior Abbie Gowen and sophomore Sarah Lasker. Hurley (three goals, two assists last year) is a three-year varsity starter that brings leadership, knowledge, skill and determination in the midfield/attack, said Fildes. Hurley can also run on the outside and attack when needed, Fildes said.

Gowen and Lasker are returning division all-stars (Gowen, first team; Lasker, second team). Gowen led the team last year with 10 points (seven goals, three assists). Lasker had six goals and an assist. Both will share the center of the field.

"They compliment each other well," said Fildes. "Abbie has a great, go-to-the-goal attitude and can distribute all over the field. Sarah has incredible vision and can place the ball anywhere."

Sophomore Steph Scime is also a returning starter in the midfield.

"She is a technical player that likes to attack," said Fildes. "Her endurance and knowledge will work at the outside midfield position."

Fildes also returns junior Ali Rogers and sophomore Casey Carr at attack.

"Ali brings a lot of speed and quickness to the front line," said Fildes. "She has worked hard to improve her game smarts and attacking style to prepare for many goal-scoring opportunities."

"Casey will most likely be on the attacking side this year," Fildes added. "Her desire and passion shows in her all-around play day in and day out."

Also returning is sophomore speedster Laura Caty, who played in sectionals.

Juniors Meaghan Murphy and Brittany Stachura will be challenging for playing time all season.

"Both have great attacking minds and footwork," said Fildes.

Juniors Irene Krahling, Katie Schriever, Ashley Zak, and Elizabeth Stark move up from last year's JV team.

"All bring a lot of heart and hard work to the varsity level," said Fildes. "They will be pushing the starters for game time. They all could fill in on the attacking side or in our midfield."

Fildes said team strengths are working together as a unit, communicating, having unselfish teammates, a strong work ethic, athleticism and technically sound skills.

Amherst opens its season on Wednesday hosting Springville. This weekend, they are traveling to Baldwinsville for a tournament. The Lady Tigers will be playing Saratoga, Baldwinsville and/or Ithaca.

"It should be a great experience for the Amherst varsity and JV teams," said Fildes.
Amherst Central
2007 Schedule
9-5 Springville (Kings) 4:30 p.m.
9-7 vs. Saratoga at Baldwinsville
tourn. .................................. 7 p.m.
9-8 vs. Baldwinsville or Ithaca at
Baldwinsville tourn. 11 a.m. or 1
p.m.
9-11 Sweet Home (Stadium) 7 p.m.
9-14 Tonawanda (Kings) 4:30 p.m.
9-17 at Depew ...................... TBA
9-19 Maryvale (Kings). 4:30 p.m.
9-21 at Cheektowaga .. 4:30 p.m.
9-25 Pioneer (Stadium) ... 7 p.m.
9-27 at Starpoint .......... 4:30 p.m.
10-1 at Tonawanda (Clint Small
Stadium) ............................ 7 p.m.
10-3 Depew (Stadium)..... 7 p.m.
10-5 at Maryvale .......... 4:30 p.m.
10-9 Cheektowaga (Kings).. 4:30
p.m.
10-11 at Pioneer........... 4:30 p.m.
10-12 East (Stadium) ....... 7 p.m.
10-15 Starpoint (Stadium) 7 p.m.
10-17 Lancaster (Stadium) 7 p.m.