2011 USF Women's Soccer Returns

Chelsea Klotz returns as the top goal scorer for the Bulls in 2010 (Picture: www.gousfbulls.com)

The lady Bulls are back in action today, well, at least in an exhibition game, against Florida Gulf Coast at 3 PM this afternoon. The Bulls are coming off of a 14-6-3 season and an NCAA tournament appearance, falling to Florida State. The ladies were 6-3-2 in Big East play and continued to improve through the season under head coach Denise Schilte-Brown who is 34-32-12 in her career at USF and continues to energize the program and has the ladies playing at a higher tempo and seeing the stats all across the board improve.

This is the first of two exhibition games the Bulls will play before starting the season against UCF on August 19th.

The Bulls square off against the FGCU laides who are coming off of a 14-4-2 season (8-0-2). They went 7-2 at home last season so this will be an excellent chance for the senior led team to get back onto the field and try to get it going early in the season before the games really count. So let's take a look at some of the stars of the ladies roster that will be lighting up the scoreboard all season (new home stadium this year, can't wait). [keep reading]

Senior forward Chelsea Klotz (5-4) is one of the best players in the conference, making 1st team all conference last season. He played in 21 of the 23 games the ladies played in. He scored 11 goals to lead the team, also making 3 assists and was 2 for 2 on penalty kicks. She is very fast and has a great feel for the game, keeping her head up and seeing the field. She will be a primary focus of the offense this season. Senior midfielder Gina Pacheco (5-1) started 22 of 23 games last season so the Bulls have another experienced player on the front player. She scored 2 goals and had 4 assists. Look for her to get better on moving the ball. Senior midfielder Noelle Pineiro (5-4) is another experienced player that started in 6 games last season and will see an increased roll for the Bulls. He scored 3 goals and had 1 assist. Sophomore forward Charla Passariello played in 15 games last season and started just 3. She scored 3 goals during her limited time and will be given more chances to provide offense.

Goal keeper Nicole McClure returns to one of the best defenses in the Big East. The 5-8 senior started all 23 games last season, recording 14 wins, including 8 shutout victories. She allowed just .89 goals against her all season, placing 6th best in the Big East. He also saved .816 of shots on goal, making her one of the best defenders around. Senior midfielder Rehana Murani (5-5) started 17 games last season (played in 23 game). She had 5 assists and will help anchor a solid front line for the Bulls. Molly Stack (5-8) is a senior leader on the defensive line that helped lead the way for those 8 shutouts. She had 3 assists and played 11 full games, showing her ability and endurance. Junior defender Kelly Campbell (5-8) started 22 games last season and had 1 assists as she helps the defense as well. Senior defender/midfielder Valorie O'Brien (5-8) played in just 14 games last season but scored 4 goals and will an increased playing time due to her ability to score goals. Junior defender Alexandra Reid (5-7) played in all 23 games last season, but only took 6 shots on goal last year. She will continue to be a key member (played 18 games all the way through, endurance and then some).

So what can we expect this season? The team is loaded with senior starters and other young players that have gotten a lot of playing time last season. Getting into the NCAA tournament was huge for the program and the coaching staff is really doing an excellent job. The Big East is a balanced conference, the ladies have a new home stadium (should bring out the crowds and raise the energy) and the senior leadership should help the ladies battle in the Big East, possibly fight for a Big East title and hopefully another trip to the NCAA tournament.