Spring Break
WSOCCER NOTEBOOK: An offensive-minded defense
by Julie Ganz
Sports editor
Sports | 9/25/07
Posted online at 9:17 PM EST on 9/24/07
/ Last updated at 12:17 PM EST on 9/24/07
Not only has the defensive personnel of the women's soccer team changed this season, but so has its system on that side of the ball.
The Judges' defense featured three seniors and goalie Betsey Medow '08 last season. This year, new rookie defenders Taryn Martiniello '11, and returning goalie Hillary Rosenzweig '10, compose a defensive unit that has looked a lot more offensive this year.
"I think they're offensive-minded, one, because of the system, and two, because of their personalities," coach Denise Dallamora said.
The Judges had a more traditional midfield last year, starting one attacking midfielder, two central midfielders and one defensive midfielder. The team has switched to a triangle formation this season, consisting of one attacking midfielder and two defensive midfielders.
Dallamora said the presence of an additional defensive midfielder enables defenders to be more offensive.
"The system we're playing allows [the defenders] to go forward," she said. "It leaves the wing midfield roles kind of open."
The defensive unit got off to a slow start this season, but has improved recently. In their last three games that ended in regulation, the Judges' opponents mustered just 26 shots combined, compared to 38 shots combined in the team's first three games.
"I think our defense had a little slow start," Dallamora said. "They weren't that confident about moving the ball around the back."
The Judges' defense featured three seniors and goalie Betsey Medow '08 last season. This year, new rookie defenders Taryn Martiniello '11, and returning goalie Hillary Rosenzweig '10, compose a defensive unit that has looked a lot more offensive this year.
"I think they're offensive-minded, one, because of the system, and two, because of their personalities," coach Denise Dallamora said.
The Judges had a more traditional midfield last year, starting one attacking midfielder, two central midfielders and one defensive midfielder. The team has switched to a triangle formation this season, consisting of one attacking midfielder and two defensive midfielders.
Dallamora said the presence of an additional defensive midfielder enables defenders to be more offensive.
"The system we're playing allows [the defenders] to go forward," she said. "It leaves the wing midfield roles kind of open."
The defensive unit got off to a slow start this season, but has improved recently. In their last three games that ended in regulation, the Judges' opponents mustered just 26 shots combined, compared to 38 shots combined in the team's first three games.
"I think our defense had a little slow start," Dallamora said. "They weren't that confident about moving the ball around the back."
Be the first to comment on this story