Women's Soccer Preview, Part 2: Youngstown State
Aug. 15, 2006
With 18 letterwinners returning, including eight starters, and six talented newcomers, third-year Head Coach Anthony James enters the 2006 season with optimistic expectations that his experienced team can build a foundation for success in the Youngstown State soccer program as it enters its 10th season. Last year, YSU finished 1-18-1 with a 1-5-1 record in the Horizon League, beating league opponent Butler for the first time in school history. The Penguins' team captains this year include the only senior Roberta Johnson, along with returning veterans Brittny Humphrey and Tessa Brookman. Other top returnees include sophomores Caitlin Lee, and Jenna Fink.
The program has added a group of talented newcomers which includes goalkeeper Caitlin Bodzioney, forwards Jordan Gapczynski and Jodi Bowlen, midfielders Mariah Snyder and Natalie Brady as well as defender Kate Bonn.
Bodzioney was a high school All-American as well as an All-Ohio selection. During the past four years she was also an all-conference selection and a Cleveland Plain-Dealer All-Star. She was also voted the Plain-Dealer Lorain County Player of the Year as a junior. Entering fall camp she is the lone keeper on the roster.
In the backfield, James will be relying on experienced defenders Humphrey, who led the Penguins with three goals, and Fink to keep opponents out of Penguin territory. Lee will be another key component in defensive strategies after a stellar freshman campaign and being named to the Horizon League All-Newcomer Team. Also aiding in the Penguins line of defense will be sophomores Sarah Crafton, Nina Pannoni, Amanda Polles and Keeley Rice. All four individuals saw a significant amount of playing time last year.
Leading the front line will be junior Christi Williams and sophomore Sade Tate. Last season, Tate started in 14 games as a freshman and dished out an assist as well as eight shots on goal. Williams, a transfer last year from Columbus State, had a total of eight shots and five shots on goal. Humphrey led the team in scoring showing her versatility playing both at forward and on defense.
Leading the midfield this season will be junior Kara Vezza. Last year, Vezza led the Penguins with 24 shots and 12 shots on goal. Joining Vezza will be standout sophomore Carrie Wack. Wack posted one assist and 13 shots for the season. The Penguins will also be well equipped this season with the leadership of senior Roberta Johnson and experience of junior Britta Snowberger.
The schedule features 16 regular-season games including, six home contests at Stambaugh Stadium. YSU opens its season on August 25 at Robert Morris. The Penguins will only play two home games before embarking on a five-game road trip for much of September. Included in the road trip are first-time meetings with Francis Marion and the Citadel. Both teams will be played in Charleston, S.C. at the Citadel Adidas Soccer Classic.
YSU's second half of the schedule will be comprised entirely of Horizon League games as they open league play against UW-Green Bay on Oct. 1. The Guins will also face UW-Milwaukee and Detroit at home before finishing the last four games on the road.
The 2006 Horizon League Tournament is scheduled to be played on Oct. 28-Nov. 3.
Story provided by YSU Office of Sports Information
