Lady Roadrunners soccer preview

The State Fair Community College (SFCC) Lady Roadrunners soccer team is busy preparing for the upcoming campaign.

"Practices have gone well so far," said Lady Roadrunners Head Soccer Coach Michael Poropat. "Everyone is here. We have a total of 18 players this year. Everyone is working hard. We are doing CrossFit and weightlifting to go along with soccer. Hopefully in the next few weeks, we will be able to improve to the point where we can be competitive in every match."

Coach Poropat has an idea of the style of soccer that he would like to see the Lady Roadrunners play this season.

"We want to play smart and make good decisions on both sides of the ball," said Poropat. "We want to recognize the moment when you need to transition from offense to defense and defense to offense. We want everyone on the same page, working together. It is a little early to tell whether we will be more of an offensive or defensive team. So far, our ladies are working hard and working together and whatever style of team emerges is okay with me if we are unified and going in the same direction."

SFCC will need leadership from a few different people this season.

"Adamaris Ramirez had surgery so she will be missed on the field but, she will be our biggest cheerleader on the touchline," said Poropat. "Emily Ramirez, Chantel Richardson and Miah Bult have all stepped up as returners. Adalynn Holloway is a new player from Moberly who has done a good job bringing some leadership qualities as a first-year player. Vernetta Jacobs Margo Karpenchuk have both really improved since joining our team."

SFCC will open their season at home on Thursday, August 22 against Kansas City Kansas Community College. Kickoff from the Fred E. Davis Sports Complex is scheduled for 4 p.m. Coach Poropat believes that Region 16 will be full of tough opponents. SFCC will open Region 16 play on Saturday, September 7 at Mineral Area College. The Lady Roadrunners will close their regular season with a road match against Southwestern Illinois College on Saturday, October 19.

"The goals for our team this year are to compete in everything we do on and off the field," said Poropat. "We would like to win more games than we lose. It is also important that we have fun. We also want to build our program this year. We want to have a strong season, which will help us recruit for future seasons.

"I would like to invite everyone in the greater Sedalia area to attend our matches this year to cheer the Lady Roadrunners on," said Poropat. "Hopefully, they'll have the opportunity to cheer us on to victories. The support of our community means a lot to our student-athletes and coaches."

David Rohrbach SFCC Athletics