Falcons Look To Take A Big Step Forward

Courtesy of Matt Stewart, Sentinel & Enterprise

FITCHBURG -- With no seniors lost to graduation, and only a couple of last year's players not to return, there is a sense of optimism surrounding the Fitchburg State University women's soccer team.

The young Falcons struggled last season, finishing 3-14 (1-6 MASCAC), but with an additional year of experience under their belts and the infusion of some helpful newcomers, the Green and Gold are looking to compete at a higher level in the 2013 campaign.

Fitchburg State garnered a seventh place ranking out of eight in the MASCAC coaches' preseason poll and begins the season on Friday when it takes on Manhattanville at Eastern Connecticut State.

"I think in terms of leadership and age, we were lacking that last season,"

second-year head coach Shannon Murphy said. "We didn't have that senior leadership that you hear people talk about. We have some seniors now and it's definitely a presence that we have this year that we didn't have last year.

"We're not expecting to go from 3-14 to undefeated. But we are trying to work harder than last year and do a lot better than last season. We're not surprised by the preseason ranking, based on our performance last year. But we are liking how teams are underestimating us, and hopefully we can prove them wrong."

Offense was hard to come by for the Falcons last season. Fitchburg State averaged less than a goal per game and in order to boost the winning percentage, creating more scoring opportunities in 2013 seems imperative.

"We focused on defense last year because we were having a tough time with the season," Murphy said. "Our whole attitude has changed, where we are looking to play and attack. The whole team has an attitude that we are going to win games and score goals and we brought in a couple girls who are going to help us out on top."

A huge weapon that will likely help with the goal generation is the return of Rachel Jamieson. A senior forward from Foxboro, Jamieson led the team in scoring with 16 points last season and is the captain and focal point of the offense.

"Jamieson is hopefully going to keep the magic going up top for us," Murphy said. "She's a captain this year and I think she's kind of feeling that she wants to go out on top. She's got the leadership and the attitude and she's been working very hard."

Forward Nicole Stone and midfielder Mikaela Foley are returning point scorers poised to contribute to offensive efforts this year. Kayla Bridges is a fellow Foxboro native that Jamieson is hoping to rekindle some high school chemistry with.

"Our fitness is definitely better than it was last year," Jamieson said. "We have a few freshman who are coming in as forwards, and I think we're going to be pretty good. This year is a whole different team than it was last year. "

The most reliable part of the Falcons team is the defense and the strength starts in the net with senior captain Jillian Kirouac. Kirouac, a Leominster High alum, is a four-year starter in net and allowed a 2.72 goals against average and 77 percent save percentages last season.

"We didn't have any seniors last year," Kirouac said. "Everyone who's been playing defense has been playing with each other for at least one year. We've always been solid, but our fitness level is going to increase that even more. I feel extremely confident with every player that is on defense and I'm looking forward to this year. It's going to be a good year."

Jacqueline Walker, a sophomore sweeper who had a standout freshman year, looks to be the key to the Falcon's defensive front and freshman Abbey Nordon, from Belchertown, could be the next stud Falcon defender.

"I think they were really solid on defense last year," Murphy said. "They work really well together, and do a good job together. I think the defense is going to be pretty strong this year."