Aug. 23, 2009

8.23.09 - As the 2009 women's soccer season is set to kick off, the Mid-America Christian University Lady Evangels look to use the success of last year to build their young program. In 2008, the Lady Evangels played their first season in the competitive Sooner Athletic Conference. Head Coach Zach Bice is set to start his third season at the helm of the Lady Evangels, returning seven letterwinners, including six starters from last seasons squad. Bice also added 12 newcomers to the mix.

"We have a solid group coming back this year but I'm also excited about our recruiting class," Bice said. "I think they have already formed good team chemistry which is important if we want to be successful. We are clicking as a team much better than we did a year ago."

The Lady Evangels hope to continue to build their young program this season. "We expect to be stronger in every facet of the game," Bice said. "We have improved all over the field."

Bice is looking to his three seniors for leadership on the pitch. Jocelyn Mehlhaff, Brittany Foos and Lindsey McKinney are all playing their final season at Evangel Field. "Our seniors are very important to our team," Bice said. "I'm thrilled about what each of them brings to the table."

Forwards

Veteran Lindsey McKinney will be leading the offense this season after she tied for the team lead with nine goals in 2008. She started in all 19 games one year ago, making her the most experience forward on the roster. Joining McKinney at striker is freshman Kassie Shivers. She comes to MACU from Noble High School where she was named to the Oklahoma Soccer Coaches Association All-State team as a senior. "McKinney is a force to be reckoned with in the final third," Bice said. "I think pairing her with Kassie, who is a true striker, will be beneficial for our offense."

Midfielders

The midfield returns two sophomores who played in all 19 games last year, starting in most of them. Nicole Farquhar and Lindsey Neher now have a year of collegiate playing experience, ready to control the midfield. Neher was tied as the leading goal scorer last season, she also dished out three assists. Farquhar anchored the midfield in 2008 with three goals and two assists. "We look to see Nicole be more of a leader on the field this season," Bice said. "She is a talented player who controls our midfield and the flow of the game. Lindsey is our silent leader. She works hard and always leads by example."

Newcomer Britnie Dubala will also see some time in the midfield. The former Westmoore High School (Oklahoma City, Okla.) standout will give MACU a boost in the midfield as an all-round talent. "Britine has great ability on the ball and we are excited to add her to our line-up," Bice said.

Defenders

The Lady Evangels will have a fairly young back line after losing three starters from the 2008 season. They have added four newcomers to the roster, hoping they can make immediate contributions. Karen Moreno, a freshman from Oklahoma City, is one of the newcomers Coach Bice has high hopes for on the back line. "Karen will be an important addition to our defense," Bice said. "She brings a calm confidence to our back line."

Goalkeepers

The Lady Evangels have a young group of goalkeepers this season but will have some depth. "I'm excited about our young and talented goalkeeping crew," Bice said. "There will be competition and depth for the first time."

The Lady Evangels will open their season at home on Saturday, August 29th against LSU-Shreveport at 1 p.m. They play seven non-conference games before they start a grueling conference schedule on the road October 2nd against the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma. The Lady Evangels were picked ninth in the Sooner Athletic Conference pre-season poll. "Our conference is tough but I like the challenge," Bice said. "We are getting better daily and I think we will have success this season."