Lady Roadrunners Soccer Preview
The Lady Roadrunners soccer team is preparing for a soccer season like no one has ever seen before.
The Lady Roadrunners soccer team is preparing for a soccer season like no one has ever seen before. The regular season schedule will be compacted into just over a month. The Lady Roadrunners and their coaching staff are eager to meet the challenges that have been put in front of them. When the season begins in April, it will have been more than a year since the SFCC returnees played in regular-season game competition. Lady Roadrunners Head Coach Jaime Beltran said that last fall was the first fall he did not have a soccer season since 2002.
"The region has decided the women will play 35 instead of 45-minute halves for our region games," said Beltran. "This change was made because some of the women's programs are struggling with numbers on the roster, and there was a concern about injuries. Our one non-region game will be a 90-minute game as well as all postseason games, beginning with the region tournament."
Coach Beltran has been pleased with what he has seen from the Lady Roadrunners.
"They're putting in the work," said Beltran. "I think our returnees have a chip on their shoulder to prove that one-win season from a year ago is not who they are and are working very hard to establish that. A lot of our newcomers are treating this like their senior season of high school, because they did not have a senior season last year in Missouri and in certain parts of Texas their season ended right before playoffs. I think they're motivated and can't wait to get on the field."
Coach Beltran believes in 11 players getting behind the ball and playing defense. He also wants his team to be able to counterattack quickly if the opportunity presents itself. If it is not there, he wants his team to possess the ball.
"I think the girls are doing a good job with their physical training," said Assistant Coach Roberto Tucker. "We've been splitting our team between the weight room and cardiovascular conditioning. We also try to get as much resistance training as we can get. I feel like our foundation and preparation for the season is going to be strong. They have been working extremely hard."
Coach Beltran is looking for leadership for his team from a lot of players.
"Natalie Clarke of England is coming off an injury for us," said Beltran. "Natalie is the linchpin of our defense with the skill and experience she brings. Megan Toops of Sedalia has also been playing well in the back for us. We are looking for big things in the midfield from Emily Bauer from Stover. She is probably our most complete midfielder. She has been impressive with the way she moves and handles all the stuff that we've thrown at her. She is going to be a big part of how our midfield functions. We are looking at starting all freshman upfront including Sabra Moon from Sedalia, Carly Roberts from Higginsville, and Briscia Zuniga from Houston, Texas."
Coach Beltran has also been impressed with the play of Skyler Sweezor of Linn Creek in workouts along with her leadership ability.
SFCC will be playing as a Division II program this season and is scheduled to open the regular season at St. Charles Community College on April 3. SFCC will open the home portion of their schedule on April 5 against Southwestern Illinois College. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.
Coach Beltran has some goals he would like his women's team to accomplish this season.
"Our first goal is to have a winning season," said Beltran. "You always want to have your student-athletes stay injury free throughout the season. We would also like to finish at the top of our region. We would love to have a chance to go to nationals."
David Rohrbach
SFCC Athletics