April 16, 2004
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
The Maryland women's soccer team is off to a solid start in its spring season according to coach Shannon Higgins-Cirovski. The Terps have played to a pair of ties against Illinois and Virginia as well as dropping a hard-fought game to the professional team, the Washington Freedom.
Maryland opened its spring campaign in the Kicks Against Breast Cancer Tournament in Germantown, Md., on April 4. They played Illinois to a 0-0 tie in a 60-minute game. According to Higgins-Cirovski, Terrapin defender Ashly Kennedy had a very strong game in aiding the defensive effort in the shutout. Newcomer and incoming freshman Carissa Gilbert looked good in her first game action since coming to the squad since graduating high school early.
"Carissa is really getting a good feel for the team," said the coach. "She played well at striker in the Illinois game."
After a break, the Terps returned to action against the Washington Freedom, a group of professional players, most of whom played for the team in the WUSA. Although the Freedom topped the Terps 2-0, Higgins-Cirovski was pleased with her team's effort against some of top pro players.
"I was happy with the fight I saw from our team," she said. "The goals we allowed came off mistakes which will help us to see what we need to improve upon. ... On the positive side, I thought Mallory Mahar had a strong game in the midfield."
On Saturday, April 10, the Terps played ACC rival Virginia to a 1-1 tie at Ludwig Field. Ashly Kennedy scored the Maryland goal to tie the game in the 75th minute. Kennedy headed home a free kick from Kimmy Francis which was bent into the far post.
Again Higgins-Cirovski was impressed with the play of Kennedy, Mahar and Gilbert.
"Overall, we were very solid in the Virginia game," said the coach. "Our defense was especially strong with Ashly Kennedy, Lauren Krasko, Lindsay Niehaus and Jennifer Lovecchio."
After three games, Higgins-Cirovski said she was excited by the team's play in two different formations and sensed an increased amount of intensity than the team had in the fall.
"We have more bite right now and are getting after it," she said. "I'm very excited about how we have played and will be even more excitied once our freshman class gets here in the fall."
The Terps play in the ACC Spring Tournament this Sunday, April 18 in Cary, N.C.
