FGCU defeats USF and FAU in preseason
August 24, 2013
The Florida Gulf Coast women’s soccer team started off their 2013 campaign with two preseason wins last week over two instate foes, University of South Florida and Florida Atlantic University.
FGCU outscored their opponents, 6-2, over the two games beating USF 2-1 and FAU 4-1.
In game one against USF, after an early Bulls goal, the Lady Eagles came from behind during the second of the three 30 minute periods played last Tuesday. Junior Shannen Wacker tied the game early in the second with crossing goal and sophomore Kaitlin Parker added the eventual game winner with 35 seconds left in the period.
In game two against FAU, the Lady Eagles went scoreless in the first half before a scoring four goals in the second. Goals from sophomore Paulina Speckmaier, freshman Tabitha Tindell, juniors Wacker and Meghan Hayden propeled FGCU to the 4-1 win.
The Lady Eagles also made news Wednesday when Top Drawer Soccer released a ranking of the Top 20 players in the Atlantic Sun Conference, which includes FGCU women’s soccer players Ally Kasun, Brittany Brown, Shannen Wacker, Shea Rhoney, Tessa Berger and Emma Blackwell.
At No. 1 is sophomore Ally Kasun. Kasun, who was recently named A-Sun Preseason Player of the Year started all 21 games last year, was second on the team in points and goals in her first season.
FGCU goalkeeper Brittany Brown comes in at No. 8. Brown collected nine shutouts in her rookie year, earning her a spot on the 2012 All-Atlantic Sun Freshman Team.
The No. 11 spot goes to the junior Shannen Wacker, who set the single-season record for game-winning goals (5) last year.
Checking in at No. 15 is sophomore Shea Rhoney A member of both the A-Sun All- Conference Second Team and All-Freshman Team, Rhoney played in all 21 games and started 18 her freshman season.
No. 18 on the list brings a freshman into the mix with freshman Tessa Berger, who started in both preseason matches this year.
Berger is followed by sophomore Emma Blackwell. A member of both the A-Sun All- Conference Second Team and A-Sun All- Freshman Team, Blackwell scored two goals, including the game-winner in a 2-1 victory against Wisconsin-Green Bay last August.
With a total of six, FGCU is more represented on the list than any other team in the conference.
The two-time defending Atlantic Sun Confernce Champions now prepare for the official season opener next Friday at the University of Florida at 7 p.m. and play their home opener of the 2013 season on Sunday, Aug. 25, at 1 p.m. against Albany.