The Spur

Issue date: 11/9/05 Section: Sports

For the Southwest Minnesota State University soccer team, the season ended sooner than they had hoped. The team lost in the first round of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference tournament and ended the year with a 4-12-4 overall record, but the season still had some positive aspects.

"I feel good about the effort and the attitude [we showed this season]," said Jill McCartney, head coach of the Mustangs. "On the other hand, I'm disappointed that we didn't achieve what I know we could have."

Despite the Mustangs' early tournament exit, a number of SMSU players earned honors for their play during the season.

Freshman goalkeeper Kayla Borstad was named NSIC Co-Newcomer of the Year for her solid performance in front of the net. Four other Mustangs players also earned NSIC honors. Cassie Raushel, a senior defensive player, was named to the NSIC All-Conference first team, while junior forward Noelle Bergman was named to the second team. Joelle Dean, a sophomore forward, and Liz Schiesl, a junior midfielder, were named honorable mention.

Also gaining special recognition this year was Kristel Fortner. Fortner, a junior defensive player, was acknowledged for her achievements on the field and in the classroom, as she made the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District third team.

Now that the season has ended, the Mustangs need to look to the coming year. McCartney said seven players on the team of twenty will be leaving this year. The seniors have contributed greatly to the soccer program during their years at SMSU, McCartney said, and a part of them will remain with the team after they leave.

"They have left behind a legacy and an impression on the players who remain," McCartney said of the graduating seniors.

Even with the seniors moving on, McCartney said the team will be left with a sizable amount of talent. Before the team can take full advantage of its potential, however, McCartney said they must go back to the basics and work on the fundamental skills and tactics of the game.

"We have to have little things in place before going on to more complicated areas," McCartney said.

She went on to say part of the problem this year was that the team got a bit ahead of itself, focusing on complex matters while forgetting the simple skills.

As to the Mustangs' scoring lull at the end of the season, McCartney had one comment.

"It will not happen again on our watch," she said.

After their disappointing season this year, SMSU is looking to come back strong next season and show what they are capable of doing on the field.

"We'll always have high expectations," McCartney said. "Next year, we need to prove we can be better."

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