WOMEN'S SOCCER TEAM SEARCHING FOR GOAL PROTECTION AND MORE WINS

by Mike Kissel

The UM-St.Louis Riverwomen soccer team's lack of goal production in the early parts of the season may account for some of its losses, according to the team's coach.

The team's record entering the conference kickoff weekend is two wins and three loses. The Riverwomen made zero goals in each of their three loses but have only been out shot by their opposition 38-41 for the season.

Beth Goetz, Riverwomen head coach, is looking for her team to produce a higher quality of chances.

"We are taking shots. The problem is that the shots have been coming from 30 feet out," Goetz said. "We are not penetrating defenses enough."

The Riverwomen's goals have been dispersed among five players. The team is looking for more production out of its two top players, Carrie Marino and Beth Ernst.

"Our top two players are not scoring enough. They are playing well, but the goals have not come. They both got goals in the last game, and hopefully this will build confidence for them," Goetz said.

The team plays a midfield attacking style. The key for the offense to be successful is the play of Beth Ernst. Goetz called her the catalyst for the team's offense.

Windy Hollon is a defender who also plays a role in the offense. She performs an outstanding service in the box. Beth Ostermeyer is a player out of the back field who pushes the ball upfield well. Goetz said these two defenders assist the midfield in the attack.

The team kicked off conference this weekend against Indianapolis University. They entered conference play on a positive note after a two goal shutout against Drury College.

"Hopefully, we used the first part of the season to learn to play as a team," Goetz said. We tried to work the kinks out. We are ready for the big conference kickoff weekend."