Boston University Terriers
2012 Overall Rank: #37
Conference Rank: #1 America East
Boston University Team Page
The Boston University Women’s Soccer team returns to the field in 2012 riding the momentum of a historic 2011 season. The Terriers broke the school record last year with a 19-3-1 season, which also saw them advancing to the second round of the NCAA tournament—the first time they’d done so in six years, and only the third time in the program’s 17 year history. They tacked on their ninth America East regular season and conference championship titles, extending their title streak for both to five years. Head coach Nancy Feldman welcomes back 20 returning players to this year’s squad, five of whom were regular starters.
2011 Record: 19-3-1, 8-0-0
2011 Postseason: NCAA
Coach: Nancy Feldman
Strengths:
This season will be a bit of a rebuilding year for the Terriers, who must look to underclassmen to fill some key positions vacated by graduating seniors; luckily, there are plenty of talented players to choose from. Both Kylie Strom (junior, M) and Taylor Krebs (sophomore, F) should continue to be productive offensively. Strom, a first-team all conference selection last year, tied Krebs as the category leader for game-winning goals (5) and was second for the team in points (19) and total goals scored (8). With Krebs, the impact of her goal scoring should be measured against the fact that though playing in all 23 games, she started in only three. Her tremendous value as a go-to substitute was recognized when she was named America East rookie of the year for 2011.
Additionally, in a smart play by Coach Feldman, junior goalkeeper Kelly King split the starting position duties last season with then senior, Alice Binns. King started in 11 of Boston University’s 23 games and posted a goals-against average of 0.73. This experience should allow King to seamlessly settle in to a full-time starting role this season.
Weaknesses:
The Terriers suffered major losses with the departure of five senior field players, including three starting midfielders and two of the four starting defensive backs. Midfielder Jessica Luscinski, the team’s leading scorer last year, had been a scoring threat for Boston University for years: she was named America East striker of the year in both 2010 and 2011 and was a first-team all conference selection in 2009, 2010, and 2011. Strom, Krebs, and other members of the Terrier attack, such as 23-game starter and the team’s most improved player Madison Clemens (junior, F) and America East conference all-rookie team member Jamie Turchi (sophomore, M), will have to step up and fill the void left in Luscinski’s absence.
The back line will be led this season by sophomore Ariana Aston and junior Erin Mullen, the remaining half of last year’s starting defense. Several other defenders also got substantial playing time last season, including sophomores Kai Miller and Emma Caringello, experience that will be crucial to this year’s rebuilding effort.
Final Projection:
With some adjustments to the starting lineup, Boston University stands to repeat the success it has enjoyed in the past several years. Coach Feldman has arranged an extremely competitive schedule for this year’s team, which includes five 2011 NCAA tournament participants. According to a Terrier press release, Feldman said, “‘not only will the schedule give us a chance to establish ourselves regionally and nationally, but we will have an opportunity to develop as a team through these early season matches and be game-tested going into the America East portion of our season.’” A strong incoming class of four offensive players, two defenders, and one goalkeeper will support the returning players and fill in the gaps that may have emerged with departing seniors.
Projected Postseason: NCAA
Returning Leaders:
Goals: Kylie Strom, Junior, M, 8
Assists: Kylie Strom, Junior, M, 3
Shots: Madison Clemens, Junior, F, 52
Saves: Kelly King, Junior, GK, 22
Madness 2012 Women’s Soccer Recruit Rankings:
#107 Rachel Blauner
