USF Women's Soccer Takes on Indiana

The USF ladies take on Indiana tonight as they open the new soccer stadium, looking to bounce back after dropping the first game of the season.

The USF ladies finally get to open their home schedule after 3 games on the road (2 exhibition games that were rained out) and an ugly loss to UCF to start the season. The Bulls will be facing off against Big 10 opponent Indiana (game starts at 7:30 PM so everyone needs to get to the stadium) who is looking to continue their solid start to the 2011 season.

Indiana enters the night at (1-0-1) beating Butler last time out 6 to 1. The lady Hoosiers finished the 2010 season at 6-12-1 (2-8-0 in conference) and were 3-5-0 away from home, so not the greatest season. Despite a rough season, Indiana returns a solid corps of players that are very talented and will give the experienced Bulls team a run for their money.

Indiana has faced Evansville and Butler to open the season, so this is their first match of the year vs. a BCS conference opponent, so expect the competition to be tense. Let's take a look at what the Hoosiers bring to the field. [keep reading]

The Hoosier offense has been solid so far this season. They have had 45 shots on goal, scoring 8 goals while their defense has allowed only 19 shots so far, just 3 goals getting by.

Junior forward Orianica Velasquez (5-6) is the leading returner scorer for the Hoosiers. She played in 17 games last season, recording 7 goals and added 4 assists. So far this season, she has made 13 shots and totaled 2 goals. Senior midfielder Devon Beach (5-8) scored 3 goals last season and had 1 assist. She has started both games this season but has not taken a shot thus far. Sophomore midfielder Becca Zamban (5-5) had 1 assist last season in 16 starts, she will look to improve her production on the field (quiet so far). Sophomore forward Rebecca Chandler (5-9) played in 16 games last season and had 1 goal and 1 assist (quiet as well).

A surprise player has been sophomore midfielder Lisa Nouanengsy (5-3) who has taken 8 shots so far and scored 3 goals on the season. Freshman midfielder Abby Smith (5-4) has 1 goal (5 shots on goal) and 1 assist so far. Senior forward Carly Samp (5-8) has 1 goal as well on 6 shots (see a pattern of even play and constantly attacking the goal?)

Sophomore defender Laura Ross (5-4) made 10 starts last season on a solid defensive line and even added 2 goals. Senior defender Kerri Krawczak (5-8) made 19 starts last season, added 1 assist, and is the vocal leader of the backline. Senior midfielder Kayla Clow (5-6) has made 2 starts this season. Junior forward Ciersten Burks (5-3) has made 2 starts for the season as well (mixing in a lot of players early). Junior midfielder Molly Buynak (5-10) has made 2 starts as well.

The real issue Indiana faces is the goalkeeper situation. Senior Lindsay Campbell (5-11) takes over in the net, but only made 2 start last season as a reserve. He allowed 1.68 goals against her, making 15 saves, but had an 0-1 record. So far this season, she has made both starts for the Hoosiers, allowing just 1 goal and making 5 stops (.833%).

The Bulls have the advantage in this game. Playing for the first time at home, the energy from the crowd and excitement to have an incredible field will have them coming out fast. Chelsea Klotz and Kayla Bala will lead the way on offense (don't forget Gina Pacheco as well) and should be able to gas the Hoosiers and make something happen. The backline, the anchor of the team, with Molly Stack and Nicole McGlure in net, will shut down the Hoosier attack and should help give the Bulls a solid first win at home. The Hooisers have faced cupcakes to start the season while USF got a bitter awakening to start the season. They should handle this game for their first win of the season.