Aug. 10, 2010
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By Brian Ormiston
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - With the first three days of preseason camp in the past, UCF's women's soccer team continues to mold into a well-balanced program for 2010. The Knights opened up their practice sessions by working on imprinting their attacking style, and after taking Monday off they will turn their focus onto the defensive side of the pitch Tuesday.
"I think this year we really have a chance to surprise some people," said head coach Amanda Cromwell. "The team all came in very fit so we were able to work on attacking shape and rhythm right away. We have a lot pieces in place already, including returning veterans Kim Newsome, Tishia Jewell, Stacie Hubbard, Katie Jackson, Nicolette Radovcic and Amanda Martorana. Those six have the chance to be one of the best attacking groups we have ever had."
That quartet demonstrated a lot of talent in 2009 and could fly underneath opponents' radars in 2010 due to all of the accolades the backline and goaltender Aline Reis received a year ago.
Since Friday's first practice, the Knights held two intrasquads as they also worked on finding the right tandems on the field. Newsome netted a pair of goals while Jewell and Hubbard each collected one as well during the scrimmages. Meanwhile, Jewell also tallied two assists.
Following three more days of workouts, UCF will host Florida International in a scrimmage Friday night at 7 p.m. Admission to the UCF Soccer Complex will be free.