Mustangs Lead NSCAA East With Five Scholar Athletes

After totaling a school record 15 wins on the field this season, the Stevenson women's soccer team made school history off of it as well as the Mustangs had a total of five players named to the 2009 NSCAA Scholar All-East Region Team on Friday. The selections are the first for the team in its 16-year history.

Stevenson's five honorable mention honorees, senior Katie Decker (White Hall/Hereford) and juniors Kaitlyn Amos (Baltimore/Catholic), Brittany Bangert (White Marsh/Eastern Tech), Allison Humphries (Bel Air/John Carroll) and Heather Redding (Street/North Harford), are the most among the 94 selections from 53 teams in the NSCAA's East Region.

The Mustangs were also one of only two schools representing the CAC as Mary Washington junior Sarah Tryon was an honorable mention selection as well.

Eyler Named NSCAA Women's All-South Atlantic Region

Stevenson women's soccer sophomore Stephanie Eyler (Thurmont/Catoctin) was honored on Monday as the first player in school history to receive all-region honors as she was named to the NSCAA Women's NCAA Division III All-South Atlantic Region Second Team.

The 2009 CAC Player of the Year, 2008 CAC Rookie of the Year and two-time All-CAC First Team selection, Eyler was one of three players from the CAC to receive recognition.

Eyler scored a CAC record 22 goals for the second-straight season while adding four assists for a total of 48 points. She also led the CAC in both goals and points for the second consecutive season and in just two years, has totaled 44 goals and 97 points in only 40 career games.

Eyler is 10 goals shy of the 12-year-old all-time CAC record held by Goucher's Sarah Weaver and only 32 points short of the career points record set by Weaver and Erin Kuhn of York (Pa.)

Stevenson Women's Soccer Sweeps All-CAC Awards

After an amazing season the Mustangs were honored by the CAC Coaches. The honors and accomplishments of the 2009 season continued for the Stevenson women's soccer team on Thursday as the Mustangs had five players named to the All-CAC first or second team as well as the CAC Player, Rookie and Coach of the Year honors.

Leading the way was sophomore Stephanie Eyler (Thurmont/Catoctin) who was named CAC Player of the Year, freshman Melinda Kane (Baltimore/Mercy) who was named CAC Rookie of the Year and head coach Graeme Millar who was named CAC Coach of the Year.

In addition, senior Katie Decker (White Hall/Hereford) and juniors Allison Humphries (Bel Air/John Carroll) and Kaitlyn Amos (Baltimore/Catholic) all received All-CAC honors.

CAC ALL-CONFERENCE HONORS

Mustangs Edged by Swarthmore In ECAC Semi-Finals

Despite losing three starters to injury in the first half, the Stevenson women's soccer team remained competitive with a team that was nationally-ranked until a week ago before falling in the final 10 minutes to Swarthmore, 1-0 in the semifinals of the ECAC Division III South Championship Saturday at Spring Run Stadium. It was a fantastic performance considering the injuries, poor field conditions and inconsistent officiating.

With the loss, Stevenson finished the season with a school record 15 victories, tying the mark set by the 2006 squad. The team also set a school record with a 10-game win streak from September 26 to November 4 and won a share of the CAC regular season title. The Mustangs also went unbeaten in 12 out of 13 games at home, winning 10.

Saturday also marked the final game in the careers of seniors Lauren Bauer (Baltimore/Bel Air) and Katie Decker (White Hall/Hereford). Both appeared in 40 of the team's 41 games over the last two seasons with Bauer totaling three assists in 30 starts and Decker adding 23 points on four goals and 15 assists in 39 starts. These two players contributed a great deal in the last two seasons and I only wish I could have coached them for 4 years. They are both outstanding students and both played an integral part in our success this season.

Women's Soccer Advances to ECAC Semifinals

After the loss in the CAC Final, our fantastic group of players bounced back with an exciting win over Moravian. Freshman Kayla Curry scored her first career goal just over three minutes into the second overtime to keep the Mustangs unbeaten in our last 12 as we posted a 3-2 victory over Moravian Wednesday in the first round of the ECAC Division III South Championship.

The win was the first for Stevenson (15-3-2) in three ECAC appearances and ties a school record for wins in a season set by the 2006 squad. This was a great win in tough conditions and helped our team advance to the ECAC Semi-finals against Swarthmore, a nationally ranked program during the season, on Saturday.

Mustangs Achieve ECAC Tournament Berth

After our phenomenal season, we have been awarded for our strong record with a spot in the ECAC tournament. We have been given the number 2 seed and will face a very good landmark conference team, Moravian College. The team and I are excited that our season is not over yet and we can get another chance to finish our season with a title. The game will be at 2pm on Wednesday at Owings Mills. I hope you will be there to support our team!

ECAC Tournament Bracket

OUR TEAM IS BRILLIANT!!!

This posting has taken me a couple of days to write as I found it hard to really put down what happened on Saturday in the CAC Final. We played one of our best games but still just came up a little short. The players gave everything and showed great strength and character after a late goal. We dominated the first half and overtime with the wind playing a huge factor in the second half. We scored two amazing goals, Stephanie Eyler hitting a beauty from 20 yards out and Heather Redding finishing in the bottom corner after some great combination play. Unfortunately, we were good but did not have the luck to complete the win. 

This has been a very successful season and this loss does not take away from all we have achieved. With a young team and in only our 3rd year in the CAC, we finished 2009 CAC Regular Season Co-Champions and made the CAC Final. We achieved our first regional ranking in the NCAA and NSCAA and finished with a 14-3-2 record with a school record 10 consecutive wins. We also beat 3 NCAA tournament teams, Christopher Newport, Frostburg and Mary Washington and just lost out to Catholic and Virginia Wesleyan who also made the tournament. This program is going places and I am going to make sure we continue to be successful.

All this success does not amount to just how brilliant this team really is. The players work hard and have fun every single day in practice while juggling class schedules, studying, and work. They are very unselfish and support each other through the good times and the bad times. I respect every single one of my players and I am confident that each one of them is going to be successful in life and work. I hope we can continue the season by getting an ECAC bid today as I am not ready to stop being a part of this amazing team!

UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!

THIS TEAM IS UNBELIEVABLE!!!! I am so proud of this group of players. I know I say it all the time but I truly believe in this squad. The girls on this team are amazing, they work so hard in practice every day, they do not complain, they listen, learn and work hard. We have fun in every practice and I am so happy that I am a part of this program.  A great win today, 3-2 over a very strong York team and now a home game in the CAC Championship against UMW.  We are a brilliant fun team and I am really happy that I could coach such a great group of young ladies and future babysitters!! I am so proud of you all!!

Nine Game Win Streak to End Regular Season

A new SU soccer record was achieved in our last regular season game against Goucher College. We won a school record ninth consecutive time to end the regular season with 13-3-1 record. The game was played in terrible conditions with the rain lashing down all day making the playing surface difficult to play our fast flowing passing game. We scored early and took a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Eyler and Redding. We gave up one just before the half but started strong in the second half with Eyler scoring another to make it 3-1. That would hold up as we played out the game until Goucher scored with just over a minute left from a long free-kick. It was not our best performance but it was great to get the win over a local rival after having played two difficult games the week before in the CAC. So the regular season ended with many firsts for our program:

1. We finished 2009 CAC Regular Season Co-Champions. This was an amazing achievement considering it is only our third season in the very competitive CAC.

2. We recorded a new school record with nine consecutive wins.

3. We got our first ever ranking in the NSCAA South Atlantic region and just last week in the NCAA South Region. We have been ranked in the NSCAA for the past six weeks and we currently stand at number 8. We also moved into the NCAA rankings at number 8 after last weeks two huge wins over York and UMW.

This has been a very successful year for our young program and I am so proud of our team. We have achieved so much with a great group of players that work hard in practice every day and who really know the meaning of teamwork. We will now try and continue this form in the playoffs as we meet York at 2pm, on Wednesday 4th November at Owings Mills. Please join us in supporting our team!  

2009 CAC Regular Season Co-Champions!!!

Today marked another milestone in the SU women's soccer program. After a 3-2 OT win over a very talented University of Mary Washington team, we found out that we have been crowned as the 2009 CAC Regular Season Co-Champion with Salisbury University. Both teams finished with a 7-1 CAC Record. We will compete as the number 2 seed in the playoffs due to our loss against Salisbury earlier in the year. We have earned a first round bye with this seeding. This is a fantastic achievement and shows the progress we have made in only our 3rd season in the very competitive CAC. I know I keep saying it but it needs to be repeated, I am so proud of this team for their efforts and I have total confidence in each one of them as we head into the playoffs next week. Our resolve was tested against UMW, as we let slip a 2-0 lead in really horrible weather and playing conditions. But this team does not go down without a fight, and we stuck to the task and grabbed the winner in OT. Today was also Senior Day. I am really happy that Katie Decker and Lauren Bauer transfered to SU last year. They have been brilliant players over the last 2 years and they have helped our team become a successful unit. Lauren is a solid defender with great speed and Katie Decker is a midfield maestro with an outstanding foot. Congratulations to the team and to our Seniors!  

Mustangs Defeat York 4-1, 1st in CAC

Two years ago when I became Head Coach at SU I had very high expectations for this program. We had just moved into the very competitive CAC and had a team comprised of 11 seniors, no juniors, 3 sophomores, and 10 freshman. The first season was tough but it showed me that we had the potential to go on to great things as that years freshman class combined with some of the experienced seniors combined to almost beat the CAC Champions that year, York College, losing only in overtime at home. 

Two years on, with that talented freshman class now juniors, and a great group of sophomores and freshman along with our two seniors we achieved in my mind our greatest performance and win in my short history at SU yesterday with an impressive 4-1 win over York. Our first half performance was simply BRILLIANT! We still have a lot of big games to follow but this win showed just how far our soccer program has come over the last two years. Teamwork has been the key.

This team continues to make me proud on and off the field. The ladies work hard in practice every day along with their busy academic schedule but they continue to show up with a positive attitude and they strive to improve. Next up, UMW on Saturday in another important game, I hope to see you all out there cheering us on!

Six Game Win Streak After CAC Road Wins

This week was always going to be tough with two CAC games on the road with only one day of rest in between. However, this group of players will not give up and they come in to each game focused and determined. After last season's loss on pk's in the playoffs, the players were ready to erase those memories against Hood on Wednesday. An unfortunate own goal from their defense got us rolling early and we never looked back, scoring three more goals on the way to a 4-1 victory. We played some great soccer in our first game in a long time on turf and everybody on the team played an important role in the win. I always preach teamwork and I may not say it enough, but the reason this team is successful is because all 21 players give everything in practice and that competitiveness makes everybody better. In every game we win, all 21 players deserve the credit and I am so grateful for having such a supportive and passionate group of players.

Now onto tonight. Conditions were terrible and cold (it rained more than it does in Scotland today), we were playing on a very hard turf field, and it was 7pm on a friday night which is a first for our team. We passed the ball tonight better than we have done in any previous game. We dominated possession against a Wesley team that was eager to defend their home field, and we created some great chances by some brilliant combinations and link-up play between our forwards, middies and defenders. We scored two great goals, thanks to a brilliant play from outside back Julie Dempsey to set up the right boot of Stephanie Eyler and then a piece of magic from Eyler again to give us a comfortable 2-0 win. Their GK kept them in the game with 12 saves, the majority in the second half. Our defense has also been very solid and they don't always get the praise they deserve. They work so hard to give us the opportunity to win games and it shows by the fact we have only let 2 goals go past us during this 6 game win streak. This was another great team performance and I am really proud of the team for playing at a high level in difficult conditions.

Next week will again be tough, York and Mary Washington come to OM. Every game is important to our team and I hope you will come out and support us as we bid for a playoff spot.

Mustangs Continue Good Form

The Mustangs ended a good week with a convincing win over CAC foe Gallaudet University. The SU Women's Soccer team scored some impressive goals in the win with Katie Amos and Lauren Weitzman scoring their first collegiate goals. The #9 Regionally Ranked Mustangs now have a 3-1 record in the CAC and will look to continue that fine form on the road this week. SU will face tough conference games at Hood on Wednesday and Wesley on Friday as they bid to make the CAC playoffs. 

Mustangs Roll Against Marymount

After a week break from our last game where we completed fitness tests and helped with the Building Community Day we got back on the pitch last night against CAC foe Marymount University. The ladies had worked very hard over the last week to improve and showed that they have a high fitness level with some great fitness test results. Last night, especially in the first half, we played some of our best soccer we have played all season. Everybody looked confident in possession and everybody wanted the ball. We moved the ball around quickly, challenged hard, kept possession, passed to feet and created some great chances which we finished! Senior Katie Decker had a steller night, assisting on three goals from perfectly taken corner kicks and scoring one of her own. We had four goals from headers and Stephanie Eyler posted her fourth career hat-trick! This was a complete team performance, with both goalkeepers and our solid defense giving up nothing, another shutout! We will look to continue playing this way throughout the remainder of the season. Brilliant job ladies! 

SU Building Community Day

Last weekend we did not have a game so the team and I volunteered our services to the SU Building Community Day. Over 300 SU students came together on Saturday to help out with several projects in the Baltimore area. Our project was at the Irvine Nature Center, which is located right around the corner of the OM campus on Garrison Forest road. Irvine provides quality environmental education for all ages and has over 100 acres of land, with trails for hiking, a museum and a nature store. Please check it out, it is a great place to visit!

We all boarded the bus at 9am and were ready for any challenge. When we got there we were split into three groups, with some of the team working on cleaning trails and painting logs, picking up trash along Garrison Forest road and probably the most challenging, lifting over 100 heavy blocks onto the roof. I was given the task of helping clean up the litter along Garrison, and it was no easy feat. The team must have filled close to 10 bags of trash and recyclables. I could not believe how much litter people throw away. Overall, it was a very rewarding experience and I could not thank the team enough for helping our neighbors. Thank you again ladies for all your hard work!!

Redding & Novy Score In Win At Juniata

After a long 3 hour drive to Huntingdon. PA the Mustangs came away with a comprehensive win over Juniata College. It was a tough road trip on the bus with a few hours on winding roads going up and down the hills of MD and PA.  We arrived a little late due to the long trip and only had 20 minutes to warm-up. The team responded brilliantly by being professional and going about their business of winning the game. Heather Redding gave us the first half lead with her first goal of the season and after dominating the second half, Sam Novy scored her second goal of the season in the final minute off an assist from CAC player of the Week Stephanie Eyler. I was very pleased that the team played so well considering the long drive. We are now halfway through the season and I have to say that I am very happy with our performances to date.  We have played some great soccer and I am so proud of the team for earning Stevenson's first NSCAA Regional Ranking. We do not have a game this weekend but we will be working as a team again as we help with SU's Building Community Day. I hope you have enjoyed following our team and I hope we can continue to impress in the second half of the season. Go Mustangs! 

SU Wins Overtime Thriller!

After a brilliant second half display against Catholic in midweek, the Mustang's continued where they left of in the opening half of today's game against a strong and organized Elizabethtown team. In miserable conditions with the rain lashing down all day, Stephanie Eyler connected on a pass from Katie Decker to give the Mustangs an early lead after only 5 minutes.  It would remain that way through the first half, as both teams battled hard to take advantage of the difficult conditions. The second half started with the Blue Jays dominating play and they would tie the game up as the ball was knocked out of our GK's hands on a corner kick. The collision knocked the ball loose to an Etown forward who knocked the ball home from 6 yards. It would stay that way through the 90 minutes forcing the game to overtime. After a tie with Bridgewater and a loss to Virginia Wesleyan it was our turn to get the win in OT. Once again, Eyler stepped up to the task and buried the ball into the back of the net with 3 minutes left in the first overtime period. This was my first win in OT and I felt over the balance of the play, it was a much deserved result considering the wet conditions. I am just so proud of this team for battling through to the end. Great job ladies!!!

Mustangs Show Strength In Defeat

Today's second half performance against Catholic will hopefully be the turning point our season needed. We have been playing some great soccer and have had some big wins but today we found the intensity, desire and spirit we will need to push ourselves in the conference and region. We had a very poor first half, going down 3-0 to a team that was undefeated and who had only allowed 1 goal in 7 wins. However, as we have found out this season, this SU Women's soccer team does not give up. We won everything in the second half and were a completely different team from the first. We battled hard, got physical and showed a desire to win every challenge.  With that energy and intensity, we almost achieved another amazing comeback with two great goals from Eyler and Kane. This may not have been the result I would have hoped for, but I am just so proud of the team for not giving up and for showing me that when we get physical, intense and show passion then we can be better than any team in this region. 

SU EARNS FIRST EVER REGIONAL RANKING!

COURTESY OF OUR BRILLIANT SPORTS INFORMATION DIRECTOR, JASON EICHELBERGER

For the first time in school history, the Stevenson women's soccer team has been ranked, achieving a No. 9 ranking by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) in its latest NCAA Division III South Atlantic Region Poll released Tuesday. The Mustangs (4-2-1, 1-1 CAC) split two games last week, beating St. Mary's (Md.) 2-1 at home on Wednesday before falling to Salisbury at Caves Athletics Complex on Saturday, 1-0.

Stevenson is one of four teams from the CAC listed in this week's regional rankings. Salisbury is at No. 4 with a 3-1-2 record while York (Pa.) is eighth at 5-1-0 and Mary Washington is 10th with a record of 6-1-1. Salisbury is also receiving votes in the national poll. The Mustangs will put their newly earned ranking to the test on Wednesday when they travel to Catholic for a 4:30 p.m., contest with the Cardinals. Catholic was ranked at No. 4 in the NSCAA's Mid-Atlantic Region on Tuesday. 

Catholic won last year's meeting in Owings Mills, 3-2 on Oct. 1, 2008. Kelly Donnely had a goal and an assist for the Cardinals' who led 2-1 in the game's first 10 minutes after goals by Suzie Peters and Helene Nicoletti. Current Stevenson assistant coach Tonia Cristino scored the Mustangs' only goal off an assist from junior Allison Humphries (Bel Air/John Carroll) just 43 seconds in while sophomore Brittany Ross (Millersville/Severna Park) had three second half saves after replacing starter Michelle McConnell at halftime. The Cardinals are 7-0 this season, including 3-0 at home.

And we made it into the Baltimore Sun.

Tough Loss Against Salisbury

The Mustangs battled hard against a very strong Salisbury team but could not produce a positive result despite their efforts. In a very even game, a Salisbury forward pounced on a lucky bounce to score the only goal of the game. The Mustangs were outshot by the Seagulls. However, we created the better of the chances but on this occasion we could not direct the ball into the corner of the net. I was very proud of the girls work rate and teamwork today and I thought we deserved something from the game. Now we must look to bounce back with a positive response as we bid to keep up with our conference rivals. It leaves us at 1-1 in the CAC with a lot of games still to play. Next up tough non-conference games against Catholic, Elizabethtown and Juniata.  

Check out these action shots of the game from Mark Hergan: Stevenson vs. Salisbury

Mustangs Start CAC Play With Win!

The Mustangs started conference play with a win against CAC foe St. Mary's College. The Seahawks had beat our team last year 3-0 in our only loss in the conference as they went on to win the CAC tournament. This year we started well with an early goal from one of our seniors, Katie Decker. Katie has one of the hardest shots in the conference and it was a tough ball for the goalkeeper to deal with off a corner kick. We played a solid game and really stepped it up in the second half. Stephanie Eyler scored her second goal of the season to make it 2-0 and even though St. Mary's pulled one back we held on for a great win. I was very impressed with our first conference game and it was great to start with a win, brilliant job ladies!

Check out these action shots of the game from Mark Hergan: Stevenson vs. St. Mary's

WHAT A GAME!!!!!

After heavy rain on Friday, our game today against Frostburg was pushed back from 12pm to 2pm so we could give the field some time to dry. Even after all the rain our field held up well thanks to the fantastic work of our field technician Tom Russ. A light scottish drizzle descended on the game today but the girls looked ready to take on an undefeated Frostburg team. In their first three games, the Bobcats had scored 14 goals and had yet to concede a goal. They had recorded big wins over our CAC opponents, St. Mary's and Marymount. The game started at a fast pace and the Mustangs stunned Frostburg by scoring a minute into the game. A great through ball from Katie Decker sent Sam Novy in on goal, and she finished in style. The rest of the half was played from end to end with the SU defense and goalkeeper Brittany Ross keeping the Bobcats at bay. That would not last, as Frostburg would score just before the half. They carried that momentum into the second half and scored 2 more goals within the first 17 minutes to go up 3-1.  However, this Stevenson Women's soccer team does not give up and they recorded one of the most amazing comebacks in SU soccer history. Freshman Taylor Zimmerman started the comeback with a 40 yard free-kick that sailed into the net. Then just over a minute later, a huge punt from keeper Lauren Weitzman sent Stephanie Eyler one on one with a Frostburg defender, with Eyler beating her then striking a sweet shot into the goal to level the game. The drama was not over,  as the Mustangs would grab the win with a brilliant headed goal from Melinda Kane after a great left footed cross from Ali Humphries. The Mustangs held on for the last 4 minutes to seal a remarkable 4-3 win. I am so proud of the players for not giving up and for showing great composure in front of goal. This was a huge TEAM win!!  

Mustangs Dominate McDaniel

After our long trip to Virginia Wesleyan last weekend the team was ready to go again on Wednesday at local rival, McDaniel College. The team played excellent with some strong defense and excellent passing. The girls moved the ball around well and created many chances, with 17 shots raining in on the Green Terror goal in the first half. The Mustangs would eventually make the breakthrough when a Katie Decker free-kick dropped at the feet of freshman Melinda Kane, who slotted in her second and the team's second goal of the season. SU continued to dominate and the one goal was enough to secure the win. A very strong and undefeated Frostburg team awaits the Mustangs on Saturday. 

SU Records First Win of 2009!

Today marked the day the SU women's soccer team got the ball rolling in the win column. After two hard fought games against Bridgewater and Virginia Wesleyan where the Mustangs did not get the results their efforts merited, the girls pulled off a brilliant team win today against a strong Christopher Newport team. In the first half, the Mustangs struggled with the heat and tiredness due to their exertions the day before against the Marlins when they had went to overtime but the girls battled hard to stay in the game. The 1-0 victory came courtesy of some strong defending from the entire team and from a sweet left foot strike from freshman Melinda Kane who was set-up by Stephanie Eyler. This was the first goal of the season for SU and one the Mustangs richly deserved. I am very proud of the players efforts this weekend on the road and it was a great trip with the team representing Stevenson in a very positive manner. Great job ladies!!  

Stevenson Almost Upsets #12 Virginia Wesleyan

The SU Women's soccer team put up a valiant effort against host and #12 ranked Virginia Wesleyan on Saturday in the Orthopaedic Classic. The team competed all over the field against a very strong side that reached the NCAA tournament last year. Unfortunately the Mustangs could not come away with the reward their effort deserved, falling 1-0 to a goal that was scored in the first overtime period. This was the second game in a week the Mustangs had went to overtime due to a very strong defensive effort. This was the Mustangs first defeat of the season leaving them at 0-1-1. 

SU Opens Season with Tie

Tuesday's season opener against Bridgewater College was a hard fought battle with two teams looking to start the season with a bang. The Mustangs started slow but they found their form in the second half. SU created several goal scoring chances but they could not find the net, sending the game to OT. The first OT period was very exciting with the Mustangs coming even closer on many occasions. However, no team could find that elusive goal and the game finished up tied. A great effort from the team and hopefully we can continue to impress this weekend at #12 ranked Virginia Wesleyan. Check out these photos taken by Mark Hergan:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gomustangs/sets/72157622211242794/

2009 Season Begins Tuesday!!

The first two weeks of the 2009 season are complete with the roster now set at 21. Everybody is feeling good after two hard weeks of training and two very difficult scrimmages to get us ready for our opening game. UMBC was a great experience on our second day of pre-season and yesterday we competed hard against pre-season nationally ranked Johns Hopkins University (#6).  You can check out the video bar on the side to see a recap of our 2009 pre-season made by our video expert Brittany Bangert. Great job Brittany!!

Come out and support the Mustangs as they kick-off their season on Tuesday September 1st at 5pm at the GREENSPRING CAMPUS against Bridgewater College. 

SU Working Hard in Pre-Season!

Pre-season has been tough in the blazing heat that is hitting the Baltimore area. The girls have been working really hard and have showed tremendous improvement and effort each day. I am very proud of the team for their great showing against UMBC after only 2 PRACTICES! Keep up the good work ladies! Check out more pictures of our first preseason practice at this link:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gomustangs/sets/

MEET THE CAPTAINS - PART 2

Now let's meet second year captain and rising Junior Allison Humphries:

How do you feel about the upcoming soccer season at Stevenson and how will it compare to last season?

I am so excited to start the '09 season! Last year was a building year with only 9 returning players and a very young team. We held our own and finished third in the conference. As long as we continue with the same determination and work ethic, I think we will have a great year!  

What have you learned from your time on the soccer team and what do you enjoy most? 

My soccer experience at Stevenson has taught me that once you make it to the college level, playing for the love of the game is the only thing that matters. If you don't love it, you shouldn't be out there because it is a serious commitment that can't be taken lightly. The more you love it, the more fun you'll have playing! The thing I enjoy most about SU soccer is spending time with the team. We have a great group of girls and always have a good time. 

What is your favorite Coach Millar moment/saying? 

"So we can get on with winning the CAC and BEYOND!" 

How do you manage balancing the academic side with playing soccer? 

I have to stay extremely organized with both soccer and my classes. I'm a neat freak so I have to have everything written down to make sure I don't forget anything. 

How do you prepare for the upcoming season? 

I follow the workout given to us by Graeme and make sure to play in a couple leagues over the summer. I try to touch a soccer ball a few times a week. 

Who is the funniest player on the team? 

It's too hard to say. Everyone brings their own humour to the team! 

Are you excited about the Italy 2010 trip with the men's soccer program? 

Yes, I've never been to Europe so I think it will be a lot of fun. I also think that the fundraising and preparation for the trip will be a good way to bond. 

What are some of your favorite things about being a student at SU? 

I love my major (Elementary Ed) because the class sizes are small and you get a lot of individual attention. I like being at a small school because you get to know a lot of people. No matter where I am on campus, I always see someone I know. 

Do you have any superstitions or rituals before the game? 

I eat half a pb&j sandwich and a yogurt 2 hours before kick-off and always listen to "Eye of the Tiger" on my iPod. 

Does the team get together outside of practice and games? 

We are always together!

MEET THE CAPTAINS - PART 1

Stevenson University soccer is very proud to have two hard working captains that along with the rest of the players are very dedicated to the women's soccer program. Let's first meet rising Junior Katie Amos:



How do you feel about the upcoming soccer season at Stevenson and how will it compare to last season?
The 2009 Women’s soccer season will be the best season of soccer ever played in the sport. No, honestly we have a lot of strong returners and many skillful freshmen joining our team this year. We had a good season last year and came in third place, but that was last year and this fall I hope we can work harder and turn some more heads.

What have you learned from your time on the soccer team and what do you enjoy most?
Hmm...Well off top of my head Coach Graeme has taught me that the best way to defend is to take a rope and be tied together with your other three teammates, if you fall it’s only because you are doing it wrong. Coach Win has taught me that you never stand still to stretch and to eat a pasta dinner an hour before the game (which I still don’t agree with). What I enjoy most is just being a part of this family.

What is your favorite Coach Millar moment/saying?
Favorite moment would be Win and Graeme doing karaoke on the bus ride home. I think we have that blackmail tape somewhere.

How do you manage balancing the academic side with playing soccer?
My advice, you just have to do it. The sooner you get done the more time you have to sleep. Some tips: Coffee can be your best friend. Naps on the shuttle are always welcomed! And your laptop is portable so you can write papers on the bus trips. Lastly, never be afraid to ask for help.

How do you prepare for the upcoming season?
Personally being the most conditioned player on the team I don’t need to prepare….haha
I do the workouts that MC prepares for us. I also practice my mile and quarter because everyone knows I need too. I don’t drink any soda or eat fast food. I do an ab workout every night and recently I have been practicing Yoga. Make sure you keep touches on the ball.

Who is the funniest player on the team?
Jess Celmer. She is funny whether she’s knows it or not. And sure enough at least one time at practice or a game she will get hit in the face with the soccer ball.

Are you excited about the Italy 2010 trip with the men's soccer program?
Wait the guys are going….No I am very excited, both teams get along great so I think we will have a good time both on and off the soccer field.

What are some of your favorite things about being a student at SU?
I really like the campus size of SU. It’s easy to make friends and I love the dorms at school. The dorms are very homey; there are no concrete floors or walls.

Do you have any superstitions or rituals before the game?
I am a very superstitious person. I can’t wear prewrap or we will lose. I must warm-up in the far side grid before games or we will lose. Jess and I have to listen to "I’ll make a man out of you" from the Mulan soundtrack before each game or we will lose.

Does the team get together outside of practice and games?
Yes the team hangs out a lot. In the past we have had cookouts, spaghetti dinner and karaoke night, went to dances, a bull roast, and have enjoyed several game nights.

Mustang Players Win 3v3 Tournament

Stevenson soccer players Katie Amos, Brittany Bangert, Heather Redding, Stephanie Eyler and incoming players Jenna Cimino and Charity Lumpkins competed today in the 3v3 Heatwave Tournament at CCBC Dundalk. The team had a mixture of experience and youth with three juniors, a sophomore and two incoming freshmen making up the squad. After winning all three regular games the girls advanced to the Championship game. At the end of regulation the score was tied at 4-4 and went into a golden goal overtime of 3 minutes. Eyler scored with seconds left in the overtime period to end it and win the game. Congratulations ladies!!!!!

Mustangs kick-off Preseason with UMBC Scrimmage

The Stevenson Women's Soccer team will kick-off their 2009 season with a scrimmage at Division I University, UMBC. The game is scheduled for Wednesday August 19th at 6pm at the UMBC soccer stadium. This will be a great test for the returners and the new players on the Mustang squad.

Birttany Ross Earns Futsal Gold and Silver

This past weekend the Baltimore Convention Centre hosted the USFF Futsal National Tournament. Our sophomore goalkeeper Brittany Ross participated with the Denison Cabral Futsal Academy team in both the U19 Girls and the Open Women's division. Brittany's team amazingly made it to the final matches for both age groups. They took home the silver medal, losing 4-3 in the Open Women's, and won the gold medal, winning 1-0 in the U19 final. Congratulations to Brittany on being a Futsal National Champion!!!

Stevenson Soccer Commercial

Check out this soccer commercial made by our very own Brittany Bangert for a school project:

Stevenson Soccer Commercial

WELCOME TO THE SU WOMEN'S SOCCER BLOG

Welcome to the new Stevenson University Women's Soccer blog featuring the latest Stevenson soccer news, coach and player commentary, highlight videos and action shots. This site is open to all Mustang fans that love the beautiful game of soccer. Fans, alumni, family, and prospective student-athletes will be able to follow the Stevenson Women's Soccer team as they bid for success on and off the field. Show your support for the Mustangs as they officially kick-off the 2009 Season at home against Bridgewater College on Tuesday September 1st at 5pm. 

2009 Season Schedule