2008 Season Outlook
    Head coach Steve Karbowski
     
    Head coach Steve Karbowski
      

    Aug. 1, 2008

    The 2008 Siena women's soccer team is looking to get back to the MAAC Championships. Last season was the first time they missed the Tournament since 2003, finishing in fifth place, but it has the program hungry for a return trip. The Saints reached the MAAC Finals just two years ago and should Siena advance to this year's MAAC Championships, they will be competing for their first NCAA bid on campus at the College's new artificial turf facility.

    The road will be difficult, as the team lost eight seniors to graduation, including MAAC First Team Amy Loughridge and MAAC Second Team Katie Goodwin. But head coach Steve Karbowski has brought in nine newcomers including seven freshman and two transfers.

    "I think we have a talented team," Karbowski said. "It's a new season. With our experienced seniors and talented youth, I believe we can make this season special."

    Siena has a young team, returning just four seniors and two juniors, but that experience comes at critical positions. Captains Chelsea Maguire at outside mid and Shana Brady at center back add key experience along with senior goalkeeper Patti Carroll who has 42 career starts in goal.

    Several young players stepped up last season, none more than freshman Tabitha Tice. Tice, a natural attacking midfielder, played and excelled as a forward last season. She led the team in scoring with eight goals and three assists, collecting 19 points and tied for the team lead with three game winning goals. For her efforts, Tice was selected to the MAAC All-Rookie Team.

     

     

    Karbowski hopes last year gives his team extra motivation toward their ultimate goal - the programs' first MAAC Championship and NCAA bid.

    "We'd like to be in the top four," said Karbowski. "Since we're hosting the Tournament this year, we don't want to be watching it from the bleachers. Being MAAC Champs is the ultimate goal."

    Forwards

    Siena returns three forwards including senior Stephanie DiMari, junior Christina Macera and sophomore Deonna Gould. DiMari scored four goals in 16 games last season. Macera has played 33 games in her first two seasons, tallying four goals and one assist. Gould is a strong player who offers a target forward for the team to play into.

    Freshman Ashleigh Barone is expected to come in and produce right away. The local product from Clifton Park played five years of varsity soccer at Shenendehowa and is a proven winner. She is a goal scorer who will be a key for Siena's offensive success.

    Sophomore transfer Maria DeMatteo arrives from St. John's where she played one year for the Red Storm. She will play either forward or outside mid, and figures to provide an immediate impact after playing in all 19 games for the Red Storm last season, scoring three goals.

    Barone and DeMatteo offer two new sources for goals.

    "They [Barone and DeMatteo] have talent," said Karbowski. "It's just a matter of adjusting to our style."

    Siena's depth up top has Karbowski hopeful in 2008. He'll leave it open to competition and use different combinations at forward.

    "In the past we've had to rely on one or two players for goals," said Karbowski. "But I think we have three or four or even five players who can score for us this season."

    Midfielders

    Tice will play as an attacking center mid this season. Her creativity and play making will help Siena put pressure on defenses.

    Sophomore Cara Riley is another leading candidate for center mid. She started 13 games last season and scored one goal.

    "Riley is a technical player who reads the game well," said Karbowski.

    Sophomore Susan Schneck will also see time at outside mid. She played in 16 games last season and had three assists. Schneck is another player Karbowski will be counting on for increased production.

    Maguire gives the Saints speed on the outside where she can get behind defenses and create chances for forwards and herself. Her 46 starts as a Saint provides excellent leadership on the field.

    "Chelsea has improved every season," said Karbowski. "Her leadership is a key for this team."

    Junior Arielle Brazer and freshman Lindsay Tegas will compete for time at outside midfield. Brazer saw action in 14 games last season, scoring a goal and an assist. Tegas is an added offensive weapon in the midfield. She has good speed and hits a quality ball.

    Junior transfer Marissa Shibley arrives from Stony Brook. She helps bolster the center midfield along with freshman Jill Roth.

    Freshman Kaitlyn Sharo adds depth at outside mid. She is an offensive-minded player who plays well off her teammates.

    Defense

    The defense lost the most experience from last season. Madeline Rickard, Katie Goodwin and Jen Smith were all starters on the back line, giving steady senior leadership on the defensive end. Brady, a co-captain, will serve as the defensive anchor. She played as a defensive center mid last year and will make the change to center back.

    "Shana is a leader by example and is well respected by her teammates," said Karbowski. "She's a technical and intelligent player who can play out of the back."

    Sophomores Sam Butzke, Jessica Kuehne and Jenna Placke will all compete for playing time in the back. Butzke is a consistent player who plays simple and smart. Kuehne brings good experience from the end of last year when she started the last eight games, while Placke played 15 games as a rookie.

    Young players will have to step into the defensive holes for this year's team to be to be successful.

    Freshmen Maren Serafine and Shannon Clancy are two newcomers who will vie for time at defense. Serafine has a lot of potential. She's an athletic player who reads the game well. Clancy is a strong player who makes good decisions out of the back.

    "There are about six defenders who could potentially start on the back line," said Karbowski. "They're all talented so it should be a great competition."

    Goalkeepers

    Carroll is a consistent keeper who has carried much of the load in goal the past three seasons. She started 14 games last season and earned two shutouts. Her collegiate experience and MAAC Tournament experience should help the Saints in 2008.

    Sophomore Elizabeth Barna is athletic in goal. She started four games last season and earned one shutout.

    Freshman Laura Ettinger is a technical keeper with good size. She has immense potential, and adds to the great trio of keepers.

    "It's a talented group of keepers," said Karbowski. "Patti has the most experience of the three so she should be the most confident. But the competition between them will hopefully raise their level of play and we'll have one emerge as our starter."

    Schedule

    The team has one preseason scrimmage this year hosting the College of St. Rose (8/24) at 2 p.m. in Loudonville.

    Regular-season play opens with three home games against Rhode Island (9/5), Youngstown State (9/7) and cross-town rival UAlbany (9/9).

    The Saints plays its first road game of the season at Vermont (9/12) before returning to the Capital District to play a pair of neutral site games in the Governor's Cup against Sacred Heart (9/19) and Army (9/21).

    Siena finishes non-conference play at Holy Cross (9/24) and then returns home for Long Island (9/26) and Wagner (9/28).

    "It's a tough non-conference schedule," said Karbowski. "They're all tough but winnable games."

    Siena has more non-conference home games than usual with four scheduled in Loudonville, a place where the Saints were 4-2 last season.

    "We're excited to play at home in front of our fans and the students," said Karbowski.

    MAAC play begins with a three-game road trip at Niagara (10/3), Canisius (10/5) and Marist (10/10). The Saints return home for a pair of games against Iona (10/17) and Fairfield (10/19).

    The last road trip of the season brings Siena to Saint Peter's (10/24) and Manhattan (10/26). The final two games of the regular season are at home against Rider (10/31) and Loyola (11/2).

    Siena will host this year's MAAC Championships (11/7-11/9) in Loudonville.

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