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2007 Wingate University Women’s Soccer Outlook

Wingate University head women’s soccer coach Gary Curneen believes the Bulldogs have what it takes to contend for the South Atlantic Conference title. “We are in the process of improving, both as individuals and as a team,” Curneen says. “The results will take care of themselves.”

The Bulldogs will have an opportunity to see where they stand immediately, as Wingate opens the 2007 season with three matches this week. Wingate visits Queens University of Charlotte Monday, August 27 to open the new campaign. The Bulldogs host Barton College Wednesday, August 29 (7 p.m.) and West Virginia Wesleyan College Friday August 31 (6 p.m.) to complete a busy first week.

Curneen feels the Bulldogs are ready for the challenges that lie ahead. According to Curneen, a big key will be Wingate’s play on the defensive end. “We are more hard-nosed defensively,” he notes. “We have prepared for corners, set pieces, crosses and physical center forwards…we have added many options to our (defensive) game.”

Senior defender Katie Bullard (Statesville, N.C.) is Wingate’s defensive leader. She will have a unique opportunity to mentor three Bulldog newcomers who will make “a sudden impact” to Wingate’s defensive fortunes. Junior Danielle Nickles (Baltimore, Md.) and freshmen Chelsea Davis (Summerville, S.C.) and Ashton Johnson (Summerville, S.C.) give Wingate stability at the defender positions.

Curneen mentions Davis and Johnson are more suited to the center defender position, but “they are adaptable to the outside as well. Danielle, Chelsea and Ashton give us speed at the defender positions. They can read the game…and have the ability to make things happen in the air.”

Depth in the defensive end will be crucial; Wingate played 11 one-goal matches in 2006. The Bulldogs won six of those contests, a big improvement over Curneen’s first season. In 2005, 12 of Wingate’s 20 matches were decided by one goal. The Bulldogs won four of those 12 contests.

Curneen feels very good about his defenders and their abilities. He believes the Bulldogs can go nine-deep and not lose a step. Senior Katie Lewis (Oxford, N.C.) and sophomores Katelyn Butler (Markham, Ontario, Canada), Mary Dempsey (Crofton, Md.), Elizabeth Moore (Pawlet, Vt.) and Brittany Vish (Raleigh, N.C.) are ready to help Wingate get to the next level. “We have nine players pushing for playing time (in the defensive end),” Curneen said. “Each game day, we could use a totally different combination.”

In the midfield, pre-season All-SAC selection Megan Smith (Farmington, N.M.) and freshman Julie Zielinski (Erie, Pa.) will lead the way. “Megan’s game is suited to the center midfield position,” Curneen asserts. “Megan’s passing ability is uncanny. (As a midfielder), she keeps involved in the whole game.”

Zielinski’s contributions will be especially important, as 2006 first team All-SAC midfielder Lisa Service (Omagh, Northern Ireland) could miss the early part of the season due to illness. “We will take things step-by-step with Lisa,” Curneen says. “It is a shame…her level of fitness after the spring season was phenomenal.”

“It is great to have Lisa on the bench (if we can’t have her in the game),” Curneen adds. “It is a plus for everyone.”

“Julie Zielinski has great energy,” Curneen notes. “She will fill a void for us in the midfield. She has a keen ability to dictate the pace of the game.”

At the outside midfield positions, senior Kelly Mottola (Middletown, N.Y.) and sophomore Jordan Mayer (Williamsburg, Va.) have much experience. “Both Kelly and Jordan have worked very hard to get ready for this season,” Curneen asserts. Senior Caitlin Brougham (Medway, Mass.) and freshman Terry Chandler (Charleston, S.C.) are “knocking on the door,” Curneen says. “Caitlin had a tremendous spring practice.”

Depth in the midfield will be provided by junior Kate Laukhart (Severna Park, Md.) and freshman Sloane Roberts (Ann Arbor, Mich.). Laukhart and Roberts will contribute as they learn the Wingate system.     

Curneen feels the Bulldogs are also very deep at the forward spot. “We are two deep up top,” he says. Sophomore forward Madi Welch (Monroe, N.C.) joined Smith and Service on the pre-season All-SAC team. “We are very excited about Madi’s sophomore season,” Curneen notes. “She is getting better and better each day.”

Welch is Wingate’s top returning scorer. She tallied seven goals and four assists during her freshman season. Senior forward Christina Acosta (Greenville, S.C.) returns for her final Bulldog season. “Christina had a great spring. She is a proven leader. I believe Christina is one of the most underrated players in our conference.”

Two newcomers will make an immediate impact up front. Curneen says freshmen Jenni Barbett (Severn, Md.) and Kerstin Williams (Summerville, S.C.) are “big acquisitions for us. They have a different style of play. Their speed is exceptional. Jenni is a flying machine.”

In the nets, Wingate junior goalkeeper Kathryn Smith (Indian Trail, N.C.) is a two-year starter for the Bulldogs. Smith started 19 of 19 matches as a sophomore. She had six shutouts last year, giving her 12 for her career. Smith recorded 69 saves and posted a 1.34 goals against average (GAA) in 2006.

Freshman Sarah Bollman (Inverness, Ill.) is pushing Smith for playing time. “It is great to see the competition (we have at goalkeeper),” Curneen says. “The competition is very close…taking many twists and turns. We don’t want to overuse Kathryn. It is important for us for her to be fresh in October.”

Bulldog fans will enjoy the contrasts the 2007 team will present. Wingate will play hard-nosed defense. “We will be an attacking side,” Curneen notes. “We will be exciting to watch…taking many chances.”

Curneen has posted 11 wins each in his first two seasons. He believes the business-like approach the 2007 team is taking to this season is second-to-none. “Our mentality is a big strength,” Curneen asserts. “We have been working on achieving our goals every day since the beginning of the spring season.”

As the early portion of the season progresses, Curneen will be faced with tough decisions as he fills out his line-up card. “We are (at least) two players deep at every position,” Curneen beams. “The players are working so hard. They are trying to make my life as difficult as possible (trying to decide who to start).”