Soccer Game Central

HAMILTON, N.Y. (08/25/10) – The Colgate women's soccer team will hit the road again this weekend when it faces No. 18 Rutgers (1-0) on Friday, Aug. 27 at 7.30 p.m. in Piscataway, N.J. and then Syracuse (0-1-1) two days later on Sunday, Aug. 29 at 1.00 p.m. in Syracuse, N.Y.

The Raiders (0-1), who are coming off of a tough loss to No. 17 Virginia, will look to turn things around this weekend.

“I am glad that we have another two games against really strong opponents coming up because we came away from the game (Virginia) feeling that we didn't play to the best of our abilities,” stated head coach Kathy Brawn. “To have teams like Rutgers and Syracuse coming up, there is no time to dwell on what happened. We learned a lot about our team and about our mentality, and we know what needs to be brought to a higher level. We will be taking these lessons into our next two games.”

The team will be on its second and third straight road game of the season, since the opening game in Virginia last weekend. For most teams this can be taxing, but Brawn sees this as something that is positive as well.

“The road can be tough but it can also help us focus because it takes away some of the distractions of being on campus,” Brawn said. “We have a group of people that love being together, so being on the road is a good thing for us.”

The Rutgers game will be broadcast live on Knightvision and will also be televised on Verizon FiOS at later dates.

Defending the Raiders' Net

Sophomore goalkeeper Ashley Walsh (Baldwinsville, N.Y.) received an honorable mention from the Patriot League this week for her game-high 11 saves  against Virginia on Aug. 22. Named the 2009 Rookie of the Year by the Patriot League, she is already on her way to yet another successful season in goal.


Scouting the Scarlet Knights

The No. 18 Scarlet Knights will be playing their second game of the season against the Raiders, having just defeated Stony Brook on Friday, Aug. 20, 3-0. Rutgers finished its 2009 season with an overall record of 14-4-4, going 7-1-3 in BIG EAST play and advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Senior midfielder and captain Gina DeMaio, was named to the All-BIG EAST Preseason Team and is a Herman Trophy Watch List nominee.

Scouting the Orange

Syracuse is coming off of a double overtime draw with ODU on Sunday, Aug. 22, and a 1-0 loss to William & Mary on Friday, Aug. 20. The Orange finished its 2009 season with an overall record of 5-11-3 and was 2-8-1 in conference play.