With training camp in it's final week, the Cougs will have a chance to look at and evaluate their roster and the roles of their players in preparation for the kick off to the 2017 regular season. While the battles for spots on the field take place, we will preview the Cougs around the pitch with a look at the defenders tasked with stopping the opposition.
What To Look Out For In Camp According To Coach Shulenberger:
" We are possession oriented team so we set plays through our backs. Our defenders have to be good individual defenders, they have to be good ball strikers, they have to be good in the air, and most importantly, they have to help us keep the ball. They set the tone for us and are asked to bring a lot while at the same time asked to get in the attack and get forward.
The backs are where we are probably the most experienced and have the most veterans who will take charge. This group has played well together and know each other so we expect them to hit the ground running early."
What's The Same:
A lot. The Cougs return almost the entire defense that came up with four shutouts and allowed just 21 goals in 2016 despite facing some of the toughest attacks in Division I soccer. Captain Jordan Branch steers the ship with the ability to stay home defensively or push forward where she will also see time in the midfield. Along with Branch the Cougs bring back senior Kelsee Crenshaw along with juniors Maddy Haro and Grace Hancock. Haro and Crenshaw give the Cougs potent weapons on the outsides while Hancock returns as the anchor in the middle.
What's Different:
While Hancock is what's the same she is also what's different as the junior is back at full strength to resume her role as the focal point of the Cougs' backline after missing time in 2016. Unlike getting Hancock back in the mix, the Cougs will have to move on from graduated senior Susan White after she had one of her finest seasons in the Crimson and Gray while earning the team's Defensive MVP award last season. Replacing the seniors from last season are a handful of freshmen, led by Hanna Goff, a highly touted newcomer who brings club national championship pedigree with her to the Palouse.
FOLLOW THE COUGS ON SOCIAL MEDIA ALL SEASON LONG
Get all the info, photos, and videos a true Coug Fan could want by following the team on Facebook (facebook.com/washstatesoccer), Twitter (@WSUCougarSoccer) and Instagram (wsucougarsoccer).
What To Look Out For In Camp According To Coach Shulenberger:
" We are possession oriented team so we set plays through our backs. Our defenders have to be good individual defenders, they have to be good ball strikers, they have to be good in the air, and most importantly, they have to help us keep the ball. They set the tone for us and are asked to bring a lot while at the same time asked to get in the attack and get forward.
The backs are where we are probably the most experienced and have the most veterans who will take charge. This group has played well together and know each other so we expect them to hit the ground running early."
What's The Same:
A lot. The Cougs return almost the entire defense that came up with four shutouts and allowed just 21 goals in 2016 despite facing some of the toughest attacks in Division I soccer. Captain Jordan Branch steers the ship with the ability to stay home defensively or push forward where she will also see time in the midfield. Along with Branch the Cougs bring back senior Kelsee Crenshaw along with juniors Maddy Haro and Grace Hancock. Haro and Crenshaw give the Cougs potent weapons on the outsides while Hancock returns as the anchor in the middle.
What's Different:
While Hancock is what's the same she is also what's different as the junior is back at full strength to resume her role as the focal point of the Cougs' backline after missing time in 2016. Unlike getting Hancock back in the mix, the Cougs will have to move on from graduated senior Susan White after she had one of her finest seasons in the Crimson and Gray while earning the team's Defensive MVP award last season. Replacing the seniors from last season are a handful of freshmen, led by Hanna Goff, a highly touted newcomer who brings club national championship pedigree with her to the Palouse.
FOLLOW THE COUGS ON SOCIAL MEDIA ALL SEASON LONG
Get all the info, photos, and videos a true Coug Fan could want by following the team on Facebook (facebook.com/washstatesoccer), Twitter (@WSUCougarSoccer) and Instagram (wsucougarsoccer).