Considering that the Massachusetts women’s soccer team has only played three games against Atlantic 10 opponents, it’s still too early to start drawing conclusions. However, based on their play so far, the Minutewomen are showing that they can be a serious force in conference play in the upcoming weeks.
During its past three matches, UMass (3-6-4, 1-1-1 A-10) earned four points – three in a win against Saint Joseph’s and one in a tie against George Mason. That leaves the Minutewomen tied for sixth place along with Rhode Island, Duquesne and George Washington.
The Minutewomen had a chance to break away and separate themselves in the standings in their most recent match against the Colonials. But their comeback fell short, and UMass fell to George Washington 2-1.
Still, there’s been a significant improvement in play from the UMass team from earlier this season to the team that emerged in the past few weeks.
To start, the defense has been very consistent and has kept the Minutewomen in games as of late. Led by junior defensemen and co-captain Rebekka Sverrisdóttir, and with the emergence of freshman Cassidy Babin in goal, the team has only allowed more than two goals in one match this year. In conference play, UMass has been just as stingy defensively, as it has only allowed four goals in three games.
Babin’s started five games this season, including all three so far in A-10 play. She ranks third amongst A-10 goalies in both save percentage (.833) and goals against average (.870). She also ranks eighth in saves per game (4.17) during her six overall appearances this season.
The other co-captain – junior Jackie Bruno – has led UMass all season on the offensive side of the ball. Although Bruno has seen limited minutes in A-10 play due to a foot injury she sustained a few weeks ago, she has still made her mark for the Minutewomen, scoring two goals in conference play including a game winning corner kick against St. Joe’s.
Bruno and sophomore Megan Burke have paced UMass offensively this season, combining to score seven goals and 15 points in total. Bruno is eighth in the Atlantic 10 in shots per game, despite recording the fewest number of games played amongst those in the top ten.
Burke is part of an underclassman group that has been vital to the Minutewomen this season, as they have only three seniors on the team. Sophomores Daniela Alvarez and Julia Weithofer elevated their production as the season has progressed. Sophomore Alyssa Fratarcangeli and freshman Natalie Perussault have also emerged as contributors on the offensive end.
With a consistent defense, an emerging goalkeeper and an offense that has produced capably despite battling key injuries, it comes as no surprise that coach Ed Matz was so excited about A-10 play.
“We just want to get into the top eight and we know good things can happen,” Matz said earlier in the season.
As long as the Minutewomen can avoid falling into holes early in the game, like they did against George Washington, they have the pieces in place to surprise people in the A-10.
Frank Corona can be reached at [email protected]
