USD Women's Soccer 2003

uso Women's soccer 2003

FouR YEARS IN A Row, ToRERos ADVANCE INTO NCAA's

by Amanda Piechowski

As the University of San Diego women's soccer team entered the 2002 season, the prognostications had the Toreros finish– ing in the bottom half of the league and most likely missing the NCAA Tournament for the first time in three seasons. Although San Diego returned 13 letter-winners and wel– comed six newcomers, they entered the year without seven graduated seniors, including record-setting goalkeeper Leila Duren, team captains Gina Poltl and Claire Currie, and of– fensive threats Stephanie Barnier and Casey Loveland. They also faced a difficult game schedule, with matches against powerhouses Arizona State and USC, defending national champions Santa Clara, and top-ranked UCLA. With all fac– tors considered the critics picked the Toreros to finish fifth in the West Coast Conference, when, in fact, they had not placed lower than fourth since 1994. Sixth-year head coach John Cossaboon welcomed the chal– lenge, commenting before the season began, "Those are hard games to begin with. Add the road contests, and yes it be– comes more difficult, but those are challenges we need to step up to and overcome."

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MF Brooke Roby ranked third in the wee in assists as a sophomore in 2002

2002 USD Soccer: (11-7-3; 3-3-1 WCC)

NCAA Appearances: 2002 NCAA First Round (4th Straight NCAA Bid) Hall of Champions Star of the Month: Broke Roby - November Against Top-25 Opponents: Tied No. 18 USC and No. 7 Portland All Conference Picks: Brooke Roby - Second Team Cristina Romero - Second Team Marie Claude-Henry-Honorable Mention Val Strocco - Honorable Mention And step up they certainly did. After a tough loss to UCLA in their season opener, the Toreros bounced back to win six of ten games in September and posted a record of 11-7-3 at season's end. Individual players stepped up when necessary, as was the case with sophomore goalkeeper Natalie Bobbitt. When vet– eran keeper Libby Bassett fell to injury midway dur– ing the season, Bobbitt took over, posting an impres– sive five wins and 40 saves. The "inexperienced" newcomers proved to be some of the Toreros most valued assets, as shown by freshman forward Le Ann Klopschinski who scored in six straight games in non-conference play. The returning players showed their strength and experience as well, with sophomore midfielder Brooke Roby leading the squad with four goals in conference play. The culmination of the 2002 season resulted in the Toreros' fourth straight NCAA appearance. The women traveled to USC's McAllister Field for a much-anticipated rematch; the Toreros played the Women of Troy to a

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