Aug. 15, 2012
SEATTLE - Next up on our women's soccer position preview are the midfielders. Head Coach Lesle Gallimore's word of choice for this year's midfield crew is solid, and she believes they have the ability to be strong in the offensive attack. "I feel our midfield will be able to attack extremely well and that our defensive presence in the middle of the pack should also be solid," says Gallimore. The midfielders will be lead by captain and fifth-year senior Faustine Dufka and senior Kelsea Brajkovich, who will provide consistency in the attack and a defensive presence out wide. Also serving as a leader for the middle line will be junior and two-year starter Lindsay Elston. Gallimore is pleased that Elston's veteran side has begun to show already in the preseason training. Gallimore will be looking to Elston to help the younger players along and really carry the team, but also feels that the team has a balance of talent that will allow them to compete at a high level. Gallimore is anticipating that newcomers Isabel Farrell (Bellevue, Wash.) and Ally Brahs (Newport Beach, Calif.) will be positive additions and should be able to contribute immediately in the midfield. Gallimore calls Brahs and sophomore Christina Archer (Oakland, Calif.) "terrific options" in the midfield and expects them to play multiple roles. Of the incoming freshman, Farrell--or as Gallimore calls her "Izzy,"--will be the newcomer to watch as Gallimore believes she will make the adjustment to college soccer rather quickly. "Izzy in the midfield is the stand out," says Gallimore. "She's a local product that has played at a high level with the youth National teams and this summer with the women's Sounders. She will have the easiest time transitioning to the college game and demands." Another Bellevue, Wash., native and midfielder Kate Bennett, a recent transfer from Cal, will only be allowed to train during the 2012 season due to NCAA transfer rules, but her presence gives the team additional competition during practice and adds depth in that position when she is able to compete next season. The 2012 season begins on Friday at Seattle U at 4 p.m. Check back on Thursday for the preview of the forwards. |
