Huntsville, Ala. - Last year the Alabama A&M Women’s Soccer team dominated the Southwestern Athletic Conference, posting an undefeated league record capped by a SWAC Championship. With three key starters lost from last year’s squad, Head Coach Frank Davies says this will not be the same team from last year, but still remains optimistic about the season. He will rely heavily upon the leadership of his veteran players to fill the void and help the newcomers in their transition.

Here is a sneak-peak of this year’s team.

Forward – The Bulldogs return seasoned veterans Belinda Kanda and Brittan Thomas. Kanda was a 2007 first team all-SWAC selection and led the league in goals per game with a 1.20 average. Thomas ranked third on the team in goals scored with 10 on the season. Freshmen Celeste Roberts and Brianna Joseph will join Kanda and Thomas in the forward position.

Midfield – “This position is where it will be a considerable difference in the style of play,” says Davies. Lost from last year’s squad are Ledile Matjekane, Rachel Seping, and Alberta Annan. All three combined for 23 of A&M’s 56 goals. The NCAA ranked Seping 28th in points per game – finishing the season at 25 total, and 14th in goals with 12 on the season. Matjekane ranked first on the team in assists and fifth in the SWAC with five. Annan finished with six goals and 16 points in 19 games played.

Davies is confident that returning player Madelyn Pittman will lead the midfield position. Joining Pittman is Trinidad & Tobago’s national team transfer Avean Douglas and freshmen Joice Avila and Lian Pino. “We will be even more athletic in the midfield position and it will hopefully translate into a much faster style of play,” says Davies.

Defenders – The team remains unscathed on defense with starting defenders Patricia Ofori, Joslyn Jackson, LeTisha Davis, and Vicki Hill all returning from last year’s squad. They welcome talented newcomers Brittany Joseph and Shayla Jackson who will compete for playing time this season. Davies also has the option of using midfielders Douglas and Pino in this position. “They are good versatile fielders to help bring more composure to the back,” says Davies.

Goalkeeper – Last season Davies trained former defender Ebonie Johnson to take over the goalkeeper position, and will mainly rely upon her again this year. “Ebonie welcomed the challenge and became very fearless as the season progressed, which helped stabilize the team,” says Davies. Johnson had 62 saves and three shutouts on the season. She gave up just two goals in the conference tournament, and was instrumental in the Bulldogs’ championship run.

The Bulldogs will open up play when they travel to Kennesaw, GA to face Kennesaw State for a 2 p.m. contest.

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The original story was published here: http://aamusports.cstv.com/sports/w-soccer/spec-rel/080408aab.html

Tags: , alabama am, alabama am bulldogs, alberta annan, belinda kanda, black college soccer, brianna joseph, brittan thomas, celeste roberts, frank davies, hbcu soccer, joice avila, joslyn jackson, ledile matjekane, letisha davis, lian pino, madelyn pittman, patricia ofori, swac