When the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference’s predictions come out every year, each team always looks to play better than expected. For the Mesa State women’s soccer team, the ladies know that they will finish better than expected.
“It just makes us want to prove ourselves that much more,” junior midfielder Megan Swan said. “We have some hard teams to beat but I know that with the squad we have this year we can do it.”
The Mavs were picked to finish fifth this season, which is where they finished last season. With injuries plaguing the team last season and others having to redshirt, a bigger squad this season gives the ladies a lot more to work with.
“We have more players this year which gives us more depth,” Swan said. “The soccer knowledge of these players is strong as well as the ability to play.”
The Mavs played in a scrimmage against Mesa Community College (Ariz) Aug. 21 and made it look easy, winning 8-0. Seven different players hit the back of the net and the defense looked like they were in midseason form.
“We played a team in Mesa Community College that expects greatness and a run at the national championship,” coach Erin Sharpe said. “That in itself really showed that we raised the bar this year. Our soccer IQ is really high and all the returners have really stepped it up. Goaltending and defense are both very strong this year.”
The season opens Friday against Augustana College in Durango. The first six games of the season are all away from Walker Field, where the Mavs led the RMAC in attendance last season, averaging 275 fans a game.
“In the past we have played better on the road than at home so we’re not too concerned about it,” Swan said. “It’s always fun going on someone else’s turf and beating them.”
The ladies play their first home games Sept. 22 against Fort Lewis College. The games to circle on the calendar are the Colorado School of Mines game on Oct. 3 and the Oct. 15 game against Regis University. Those two teams are ranked ahead of Mesa State and have given the ladies fits in the past couple of seasons.
“Every year we always have a good battle with them but we always fall short,” Swan said. “The two are ranked ahead of us so beating them would rank us higher in the RMAC.”
With the Mavs gaining more players and already seem to be in tune with each other, the ladies look to shock the league this year. Key transfers and returners have the experience to run the table. And with a solid fan base to support them all season long, it’s hard to be surprised if the Mavs finish the season on top of the RMAC.
“We are going to be out to surprise a lot of people,” Sharpe said. “The team chemistry is already there. In the past weeks we have already gelled so quickly. In the past we have a tendency to score early and go back on our heels and put ourselves in a situation where we got scored on and had to play catch up. This year we aren’t coming off the gas.”
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ahimes@mesastate.edu