Texas A&M Aggies
Overall Rank: #12
Conference Rank: #2 SEC
Texas A&M Team Page
The 2012 season for the Aggie Women’s Soccer program embarks on a brand new journey as they are joining the Southeastern Conference this season. The move should elevate the profile of the program even more so as the SEC does arguably one of the best jobs in college sports in getting its Olympic Sports nationally televised thanks to its strong relationship with ESPN. Thus, the motivation of being in a new conference with something to prove, along with wanting to make a deep run in 2012 after getting knocked out early last year in the NCAA Tourney by Virginia Tech, should lead to a highly motivated group taking the field for Head Coach G Guerrieri this fall.
2011 Record: 16-6-2, 6-1-1 Big 12
2011 Postseason: NCAA
Coach: G Guerrieri
Strengths:
Two very talented sophomores anchor the explosive offense for Texas A&M. Kelley Monogue and Annie Kunz combined for 33 goals in 2011 as they wrecked havoc on opposing defenses including knocking off North Carolina in a 4-3 shootout contest in Durham at the Duke Adidas tournament last September. Kunz scored her 14 goals while only starting five of the 24 matches last season. Senior midfielder, Beth West, returns and is a very highly skilled playmaker. She had 14 assists in the 2011 season and her experience should help the Aggies continue an attack that is a threat to put up three goals plus a night. Last year the Aggies lit the scoreboard up for 76 goals.
Weaknesses:
The Aggies ability to defend at times has been to their detriment due to the high pressure, high octane style of play in their attack. With their focus on always trying to push forward, strong opponents in the postseason have found a way to eventually break them down and make it difficult for their explosive offense to overcome. The new slate of conference opponents and any unfamiliarity involved could possibly cause the Aggies problems if they don’t somehow adjust quickly to the deeper Southeastern Conference. Jordan Day in goal is only a sophomore and it will be important for her to build on the experience gained from her freshman season. With some help from the backline, she should be able to get her goals against average under one, which will position the Aggies nicely for post season.
Final Projection:
The return of Monogue and Kunz should anchor another very explosive offensive attack for the Lady Aggies. The transition to the Southeastern Conference should not be too bad as the match of the year in the conference should be on Sunday, October 7th as the Aggies will host the Florida Gators. The home field advantage should also help the Aggies as well in conference play as they have one of the more passionate, rabid fan bases in all of Women’s College Soccer. This team has made it to the Elite Eight four times but has yet to be able to knock the door down and clinch a trip to the College Cup. The opening weekend of the season takes the Aggies out to Irvine to play a tough Anteater squad, and then concludes on the weekend with a matchup against the University of San Diego, which is the site of the 2012 Women’s College Cup. The question is will the Aggies be able to start and finish their season in the same place and make it back to San Diego for the Women’s College Cup for the first time?
Projected Postseason: NCAA Tournament
Returning Leaders:
Goals: Kelley Monogue, Sophomore, F, 19
Assists: Beth West, Senior, MF, 14
Shots: Kelly Monogue, Sophomore, F, 82
Saves: Jordan Day, Sophomore 72
Madness 2012 Women’s Soccer Recruit Rankings:
#56 Karlie Mueller
#79 Janae Cousineau
