Soccer Outlook 2008-2009

Brenau returns the majority of their starters from last season that ended with the Golden Tigers narrowly missing the conference tournament. A couple of one goal losses in league play put Brenau out of contention for the first time in five years. However, this team has the talent and experience to achieve a much different result in 2008!

Offensively, the Golden Tigers return two talented junior strikers in Lily Futrell (Savannah, GA) and Marilyn Anderson (Oakwood, GA). Futrell led the team in scoring for the second year in a row in 2007 and Anderson is playing at the top of her game. Newcomers to the attack include Futrell’s sister Tori, who is coming off her senior season in high school where she was named the “Savannah Morning News 2008 Player of the Year.  Tori lead her team in scoring with 34 goals- a record she had previously set in 2007. Other new additions include Sarah Carlton (Gainesville, GA), Geneve Lopez (Chatsworth, GA) and Hannah Thompson (Colchester, England). All three will add much needed depth to the forward position.   

The midfield will be crucial for the Golden Tigers success as they return several veterans with a lot of experience. Kim Meirowitz (Augusta, GA), will likely play in the central part of the field with her ability to win balls in the air and distribute.  She will undoubtedly be joined by fellow seniors Jessica Harrelson (Jonesboro, GA) and Jennifer Rainey (Newnan, GA). Flank midfielders will include senior Ashley Tittle-Colquitt (Hull, GA) who possesses great speed and can run and cross from the right side of the field. At the left outside midfield position sophomore Lauren Hagin (Hiram, GA) returns after gaining valuable experience as a first year player. Newcomers to the midfield include junior college transfer Alyssa Schmucker (Cochran, GA) who has great speed and quickness and could likely see playing time as a forward as well. Schmucker was a junior college all-region selection in 2007. Additionally, Brenau adds their second international from the United Kingdom with Laura Hirst (Huddersfield, England) who can play as a holding midfielder or central defender. Hanna Martin, (Toccoa, GA) will add depth and undoubtedly will be able to step in and be effective in the central part of the field as well.

In back, the Golden Tigers return veteran defenders Kelly Young (Lawrenceville, GA), left back Mandy Ulseth (Lilburn, GA) and junior Leanne Rowley (Brampton, Ontario) to anchor the defense. They were all solid performers in 2007 and will be called upon to provide leadership for the team throughout the 2008 season. In goal, Lisa Lesnick (Surfside Beach, SC) returns following a very good first year playing behind two senior goalkeepers. Newcomer Lauren Fugel (Auburn, GA) will be a solid marking back and could see playing time at the left or right back positions.

The Golden Tigers will need to prove themselves from the start with the increasingly competitive conference that includes a trio of nationally ranked programs.  The return of most of the starters from last year’s team and the addition of some new talent should provide the depth and experience that will allow Brenau to step up and meet that challenge.