Aug. 14, 2006
Columbia, S.C. – With the midpoint for August right around the corner, the South Carolina women’s soccer team is continuing preparations for the 2006 season with the Gamecocks eager to improve on the field and tune up before next week’s opener vs. Illinois at the Tiger Invitational (Columbia, Mo.) on the campus of the University of Missouri.
“Of all our years here at South Carolina, this is the most prepared group coming into a season,” said USC head coach Shelley Smith. “They’ve done the work they needed to do. We’ve been able to get to work on things on the field, and not have to worry about fitness.”
The positive start and impact of a prepared team has been noticed by the coaching staff and has the team off to a fast start and willing to take on the challenges that lie ahead with the start of the season less than two weeks away.
“The players are very proud of each other’s work and are excited for what they have all done,” said Coach Smith. “Everyone is on the same page. This is a very competitive group. They know we have more depth this season so they are working hard to compete for starting roles as well as time on the field.”
Currently in preseason practice, the Gamecocks are working on the field twice a day with both morning and afternoon sessions. The dual daily sessions have allowed the coaching staff chances to evaluate and assess the different aspects of this year’s squad.
“The morning sessions feature our hardest work, the afternoons we take care of more technical and tactical things on the field,” said Coach Smith. “We’ve had some chances to see them play in short-sided games, 1v1 situations, and 11v11. Now we are able to put some things together and work with the core group.”
The coaches were also able to get a glimpse of the squad on a full field for the first time this past Sunday evening (August 13) as the Gamecocks scrimmaged at Stone Stadium.
“I think they realized how much space there can be if they use it and make the most of it,” said Coach Smith. “We’ve been on the smaller field and when you get on the wider field you have to make sure to use the space give. I think it has been a little easier for our players on the big field to find the space and attack, defending we need to be tighter together because we are forced to cover bigger areas.”
As the team continues its preseason program, Coach Smith has noticed and appreciated the effort given by the student-athletes to become better soccer players and to become a better team.
“This week is about preparing our team to play together, compete and for us to know who has established themselves and is ready for our first game,” said Smith. Our players have shown tremendous effort and heart, and right now we are very pleased with their overall performance and work ethic.”
