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The
Women's Soccer team traveled to Phoenix for the last game
of their inaugural season against Grand Canyon University.
They had played this same team only three weeks prior and
were ready to test some of the changes and new tactics
they had
implemented. The season in general was one of tremendous
learning and growth and the game against Grand Canyon seemed
to epitomize
the entire season. In the face of adversity, teams can fold
or they cam come together. The ERAU Women's Soccer team did
the second and even after the loss on Saturday, it was obvious
that this team was unified, bonded and ready for the future.
The
first game against Grand Canyon ended with a score of 5-0,
with the Eagles taking another loss. However after the
game, the talk was about the next chance they were to play
them and how much different it was going to be. Different
it was. The Eagles came out ready and stunned the GCU team
that though this was going to be an easy one. The Eagles
had many chances on goal and scored an early one from a
free kick by freshman Amanda Ritchie, who has been on fire
as of late. Her goal tied the game at 1-1 and again the
play was back and forth. About 10 minutes later, a soft
goal was scored by a Grand Canyon forward and they moved
ahead 2-1, but the Eagles keep fighting.
The
game turned rough and the officials let much of the play
go, until a hard tackle by Sarah Barr resulted in a red
card, putting the Eagles down a man. However, this team
never quit and keep pushing even with the player disadvantage.
Even though the score was now 3-1, the young team never
stopped working and played hard for every minute. This
hard work proved fruitful as Amanda Ritchie tallied her
second goal of the match from a beautiful cross by sophomore
Melinda Lundell. The Eagles came close to tying the score
a few more times, but unfortunately the game ended with
a final score of 3-2. A much improved scoreline from a
few weeks earlier.
With
the season coming to an end, it was important to finish
on a high note and leave the year with not only a sense
of accomplishment, but also a sense of team and individual
success. The players keep fighting all year, kept a positive
attitude and worked for each other with passion and intensity.
It was a wonderful year and one that will be built upon
in the years to come.
The
Women's Soccer team and the Women's Volleyball traveled to
New Mexico and Texas last weekend to play the College of
the Southwest and the University of Texas at Permian Basin,
two
Red River Athletic Conference teams. Although,
neither team came home with a victory, it was a tremendous
experience.
The
set of games began with the soccer team taking on the College
of the Southwest, which ended second in their conference.
The game was well fought and the Eagles managed to stay
even with CSW for the majority of the first half before
allowing a goal from a corner kick. Again, as most of the
games have gone for this young Eagle squad, once the goal
was allowed the whole game shifted momentum and it was
simply a matter of time before CSW put another one away.
The first half ended with the score 0-2 and the Eagles
once again having to dig themselves out of a hole. "We
did not win one ball in the first half and looked like
we were simply going through the motions," said coach Luckett
of the teams time first half performance. "I told
them at half time that it was time for a change and one
certainly took place. Even though we gave up another two
goals, the team finally played with heart and aggression."
The
game ended with CSW scoring 4 and the Eagles scoring 0,
although the second half chances for the young ERAU team
increased tenfold. As always, many lessons were learned
and the team looked to take those with them to Texas when
they faced UTPB.
The
game against UTPB was well fought and although it also
ended in a loss, it continued to show
the players that aggression, passion and intensity are
the keys to victory. The
game against UTPB was dead even for much of the first half,
with UTPB finally scoring on a questionable handball call.
However, the Eagles bounced back and struck first in the
second half with a brilliant goal from freshman Amanda
Ritchie off a freekick opportunity about 35 yards out.
The game remained tied for the majority of the second half
as it looked as if either team could walk away with a win.
However, it was UTPB that struck next and then again finishing
the game 3-1. "I was proud of the effort today," said coach
Luckett. "We fought hard and played well. It will all come
together; I have faith in the team and in their commitment.
We have one game left and we will end on a win." The
Eagles play Grand Canyon on Saturday, November 6th at 1:00
pm in Phoenix. It will be the commencement to their inaugural
season.
The
Eagles traveled to St. Louis and faced two very good American
Midwest
teams, Hannibal-LaGrange College and Missouri Baptist University.
Coming off a loss to Grand Canyon UNiversity, the Eagles
traveled to Missouri in hopes of rectifying some of the
problems they
faced in their last home match of the season. As with the
mentality of the whole season, the Eagles pressed on for
small victories
within each game. This weekend, although resulted in two
losses, was no different. Again this young team walked
away with some
very valuable lessons about themselves as individuals and
as a team.
The
first game was played in Hannibal, Missouri, home of famous
American
author Mark Twain. It was a very close game and it was not
until the 30th minute that HLC managed to sneak one in past
the Eagles goalkeeper. "I have never seen a goal quite like
it," commented Coach Luckett. "It was an incredibly windy
day and their defender went to clear the ball and it went
about 100 feet into the air and spun backwards into the
net. It was
very hard to take as we had been playing so well and even
holding much of the play." After this goal, the Eagles
again had to
rely on some of the lessons they had learned earlier in the
year, one of which being to persevere and never give up.
One more goal was allowed in the first half, but the young
team
continued to press.
The
talk at halftime was about fighting through and never
giving up.
Unfortunately many of the players did put their
heads down and allowed the game to slip away with a third
and defining goal from HLC.
"After the game, we talked a lot about heart and believing. This has been
a tough season for us mentally and one thing I am determined
to walk away with is the belief that we can win and we will
win," said Coach Luckett. The game ended a disappointing
0-3
and the Eagles knew they could have played better and even
won.
With
the lessons of Saturday behind them, the Eagles went into
the game
on Monday believing that regardless of the scoreboard
at the end of the game, they would walk away proud of themselves
feeling as if they had accomplished goals we all set at the
beginning of the game.
And even though it was a loss, the Eagles managed to walk away with their heads
up high, knowing that the team that played on Monday was
much improved from the team that took the field on Saturday.
"It
is all about small victories," said Coach Luckett. "We focus
on being successful as individuals and as a team. We found
success in many ways today. We never gave up and we believed
in ourselves and each other. We will take this into New Mexico
and we will win."
The Eagles
play two games on the road in New Mexico and Texas this weekend
and then return to Arizona to play their finale
of the 2004 inaugural season against Grand Canyon University
on November 6th at 3:00 pm.
It
was a very cold night in Prescott when
the match between Embry Riddle and Grand Canyon began, but
with the promise of free pizza at halftime, the fans still
managed to weather the wind and cold temps. The game began
well as the Eagles continued to show their improvements in
possession and passing. The match was very even as the ball
moved through midfield. "We are playing soccer," commented
coach Luckett. "I am very proud of these girls and the improvements
they have made from August 9th to today. It is obvious to
everyone who has watched us from the beginning and the girls
deserve
the credit."
Although
the team has made tremendous strides, the Antelopes of
Grand Canyon still managed to come out on top. The final
score was 6-1, with Grand Canyon scoring three goals in
each
half. The Eagles did manage to sneak one past the keeper
on a corner kick by Amanda Ritchie that sailed over the
hands of the goalie into the side netting. "It was exciting
to
put one on the board," said coach Luckett. "But, Grand
Canyon is not five goals better than us. We had some errors
that
were costly that we will hopefully rectify before we see
them again on November 6th."
This
game is a special one for the Eagles because they will
get an opportunity to play GCU again and see how much
better they can do in round two. The game will be played
on November
6th in Phoenix at 3:00. This will be the final game
for the Eagles this season and one they look to end with
a
win.
The Eagles were ready and it showed. After
taking a loss to Dixie State College on October 8th, the
young Eagle’s
team felt as if it were time for some major changes. And
changes there were. After a week of tough, focused practice,
the Eagles proved that they not only learned some valuable
lessons against Dixie State, but that they were also ready
to implement those changes and bring home the first home
win in school’s history against Johnson and Wales University.
The game began with Eagle possession, showing many of the
improvements they had been working on in the days leading
up to the match. Only 19:46 into the game, the Eagles put
one on the scoreboard with a free kick, unassisted by freshman
Amanda Ritchie. Ten minutes later the Eagles struck again
with a goal from sophomore Jess Norcia that was assisted
by freshman Lindsey Ellis. The Eagles continued to press
and found the back of the net one more time before half when
Norcia found Ellis this time for the goal.
“I told the girls at half that it was our turn to
dominate and that we needed to keep up the intensity and
make it a goal to not only take home the win, but a shutout
as well,” commented Coach Luckett after the game. The
second half began very similarly to the first, with the Eagles
moving the ball around and possessing. The Eagles continued
to show dominance and were able to find the back of the net
three more times, with a goal from senior Chelsie Hurst that
came after a beautiful ball played in from sophomore Amy
Siersma. The 5th goal was a floater from senior Sarah Barr
that rose just enough over the leaping keeper and the final
goal came in the 72nd minute with a pass from Hurst to streaking
junior, midfielder Amanda Hendricks for the goal.
All in all, the game was well fought and a good match to
watch. The Eagles showed vast improvement and also proved
that they were ready and deserving of a win at home. Come
catch the Eagles last home game against interstate rival,
Grand Canyon University on Wednesday, October 20th at 7:00
pm.
The
Women traveled to St. George, Utah this past Friday to face
the defending Junior College National Champions
Dixie State. Although the game ended in
a lost, the Eagles learned from their mistakes and hope
to continue
to improve.
"We continue to play very well for spurts,"
said Coach Luckett of the young team. "I told the girls
that they need to search inside themselves and figure out
why we play well for 10 minutes at a time, but then lose
focus and self-destruct" The Eagles will get an opportunity
to work on their focus for the whole game as they host
Johnson and Wales on Saturday, October 16th at 3:30 pm.
"We are at a point in the season when the team has the
skills and the knowledge. Now we just have to figure out
how to implement those things all at once."
The Eagles are excited about what lies ahead
and what they can accomplish each time they step on the
field. They are a young team that has only been playing
together for two and a half months and it is truly remarkable
what they done so far this season.
The ERAU Eagles traveled to Los Angeles and Oakland, California
this week to play GSAC powerhouse Hope International University
and CAL PAC team, Mills College. Although the first game
on Monday against Hope International did not go as well as
the Eagles would have liked, they did manage to bring home
their first ever victory over Mills College.
The game on Monday ended with Hope International
7 and the Eagles 0. The match was very disappointing as
the young team
was unable to bring the same intensity and drive that had
propelled them against the #17 team in the country just days
before. “We took a few steps backwards today,” commented
Coach Luckett. “We did not do many of the things we
have been working on and talking about and that showed. I
had hoped for a better result, but know that it can still
only get better.”
And better it did, when the Eagles walked away with their
first win of the year and in the history of the program against
Mills College 3-2. The game began with domination by the
Eagles and the half time score line showed this with the
Eagles leading 2-0, with goals by Kalei Silva in the12:35
minute mark and a goal from Lindsey Ellis (her 2nd of the
year) at the 25:38 minute mark. The Eagles felt very confident
at halftime and were looking to run away with the game.
Unfortunately, with a mental breakdown of
about five minutes, the Mills team was able to equalize
and the score stood at
2-2 with only 10 minutes to go. “I was disappointed
that we let them come back,” said Coach Luckett. “I
thought we were obviously the better team and we simply made
a few mental mistakes that they took advantage of. However,
we persevered and pulled though and for that I am very proud.” It
was Ellis again who put away the game winner with only 8
minutes to go in the game from a loose ball in the box. It
is the third goal of the year for this Freshman studying
Aerospace Engineering and puts her as the leading scorer
for the Eagles.
This winning streak will hopefully continue as the Eagles
play again on October 8th against Dixie State College in
St. George, Utah.
The
Eagles were flying high coming off the two goal success
against Phoenix College when they stepped on the field
to play a very talented Biola team on Friday night. However,
the two opponents were very different and despite the success
of another intercollegiate goal, the Eagles still lost the
game 9-1. The scoring began early with a strike from Biola's
#2 Krystal McKay and it was here that is became clear that
the Eagles
were in a battle against a very talented and deep Biola squad.
It was not until after half when the Eagles had a chance
to talk things over, with the core already at 4-0 that
the young
team began to make some important changes and were able to
possess and go forward. "We continue to tell the girls
that they have to begin to make changes before half time," said
Coach Luckett. "We are still giving up too many first
half goals waiting for changes and alterations to be pointed
out
and half time."
After
half, the Eagles seemed to have a little more wind under
their sails and played with a renewed sense of confidence
and belief in themselves as a unit. It was not until 20 minutes
into the first half that Biola's McKay struck again for her
hat trick and the teams 5th goal of the night. "Biola was
incredibly deep and possessed a tremendous amount of talent,
"said Coach Luckett. "They were bigger, faster and stronger,
but again our players came out and played until the last
second of the match and it was this effort that again produced
another goal."
The
Eagles goal came from a stronger individual play by Melinda
Lundell, who was able to shake off her defender and
play the ball up the line to the corner and at the feet of
a sprinting Chelsie Hurst. Hurst, who possesses tremendous
speed was a threat and was taken down by the Biola defender
at the edge of the penalty box for a foul. Freshman Amanda
Ritchie came up to take the kick and played a brilliant ball
to the back post that was headed by Sophomore transfer Kalei
Silva off the post. It was after a brief bumble in the box
that the ball landed at the feet of forward Hurst, who calming
drove the ball into the back of the Biola net.
The
goal is yet another high spot on the Eagle's season, but
the score line is again a friendly reminder that they
have more improvements to make. "We are very proud of the
offense we are creating, but we are equally emotional about
the goals we are allowing," said Coach Luckett. "We know
that we need to be more physical, more intense, more vocal
and
more intent on our goals of possessing the ball, playing
feet and finding our speed up top, isolated and in the corner."
The Eagles will play again on Saturday, September 25th against
Nationally ranked (#22) Point Loma University at 11:00 am
at home. This will be another huge test for the Eagles and
will only serve to illustrate to this young team what the
NAIA is capable of and what the ERAU Women's Soccer team
will one day become.
The
Women's Soccer team traveled to Phoenix to play Community
College powerhouse Phoenix College on September 13th.
It was an extremely hot day for the women coming from
mild Prescott and the first half of the game proved to
favor the Bears from Phoenix College. The Eagles managed
to hang on to a 0-0 game for the first 15 minutes of
the game before giving up a goal off a ball played in
the 18 to an unmarked PCC player, Crystal Coogle, who
headed it in for the first goal of the match. "One thing
we
talked
about
before the game was improving, " commented Coach Luckett.
"And today we saw huge strides; one of which being that
we didn't give up large amounts of goals in a short
period of time."
The
second goal of the half came 13 minutes later from
Candice Moe of PCC making the score 2-0 Bears. The Eagles
fought
hard and had some decent opportunities as well. However,
with only 8 minutes to go in the half, the Eagles
again had a communication lapse and the Bears capitalized
for
their third goal from Niya Branch. "Again we
are coming out hesitant and somewhat scared, " said
Coach Luckett.
"We are waiting to see what these teams bring
to the table and before we know it we are in a hole
fighting
to come back."
And
finally come back they did as the Eagles came out
ready to play in the second half. With the first goal
of the season coming 4 minutes after the break, igniting
the Eagle team. The goal came from pure effort and hard
work, as Amanda Hendricks played a ball into the open
space of the Bears defensive third forcing their players
to make some very quick decisions. However, the pressure
from Sophomore Jess Norcia was too much as she played
a quick ball over to streaking outside mid Sarah Barr.
Barr, then, with great composure shot the ball from
30 yards out to notch the Eagles first goal of the season
and the first goal in the history of Women's Soccer at
ERAU.
The
Eagles then were able to apply tremendous pressure
to a very frazzled Bears team as they continued to push
forward and play with a renewed confidence and sense
of accomplishment. The game stayed 3-1 Bears for the
next 35 minutes as both teams had chances on net. However,
it was the Bears who struck next, with Coogle earning
her second goal of the match with only 4 minutes to go
in the game. But, the Eagles were not ready to give up
and showed that they could play with this team and with
only 25 seconds remaining in regulation, Freshman Lindsey
Ellis netted the second goal for the Eagles from a brilliant
cross from Senior Chelsie Hurst.
Although
the score line showed 4-2 Bears, the Eagles felt very
good about their play, especially the fact that after
6 games, an offense was beginning to take shape. "We
have made some adjustments to our lineup and it shows.
We have added three new players and are finally working
as a team; believing in ourselves and in each other."
The
Eagles will face a tough Biola team on Friday, September
17th at 7:00 pm at home and look to continue this streak
of goals as they also hope to improve on the goals allowed
as well.
The
Eagles left very early Thursday morning to head to Florida
for
two matches against NAIA powerhouses,
Webber International University and ERAU Daytona Beach.
The two games would be a mighty test for the Eagles, but
one
that they were excited for. "I purposely made our
schedule very challenging this season so that we could
get the chance
to see where we need and want to be in the years to come,
" said Coach Luckett of the trip to play five-time Florida
Sun Coast Conference Champions ERAU-Daytona Beach.
The
game on Tuesday night was well fought, with the Eagles
only allowing 1 goal in the second half. The second
half performances
have been considerable better for the Eagles all season,
as it seems to take them a half to gain the confidence
needed to know that they can play with any team we
face. With the addition of Andrea Dowling and Chelsie Hurst
as front runners, the Eagles have become much more dangerous
on offense. "These two bring incredible speed and work
ethic to the table and once we get a feel and understanding
for where the ball needs to be, they will both score quite
a few goals this season," said coach Luckett.
Although both
games were lost, the Eagles feel as if they accomplished
a tremendous amount over the weekend. They will see action
again on the 13th of September in Phoenix against Phoenix
Community College at 4:00 pm. The Eagles will look to
find the back of the net for the first time this season. "We
have much to improve on and much to work on, but the players
are excited and very eager and willing to work and learn,
" commented coach Luckett.
The
Eagles continue to improve and have consistently cut down
the goals allowed
each game. From 10, to 5 and tonight
only allowing 4 goals against a very strong Chandler-Gilbert
squad. The difference seems to be the Eagles intensity and
drive to win the ball and out work their opponents. Tonight,
the Eagles allowed 3 goals in the first 20 minutes and then
held their opponent scoreless for the next fifty minutes
before giving up the fourth goal of the night. “We
held very strong for the middle fifty minutes of the game,” said
Coach Luckett after the game. “We are playing now and
fighting for everything. We are challenging the ball, challenging
the players and a new breath of confidence has inspired the
team.”
The
Eagles were also able to produce some quality scoring opportunities
that even forced the CGCC goalkeeper to come
off her line and make some good saves. It was Embry-Riddle’s
goalkeeper Tana Lantry who was able to keep the score close
for the Eagles, as she aggressively came out and cleaned
up at least seven quality chances for CGCC. The Eagles are
beginning to come together and as they grow, they begin to
look more and more like a team that will eventually challenge
all the area teams.
The
Eagles leave on Thursday for Florida to compete with the
ERAU in Daytona
Beach as well as Webber International
University. This will be the first NAIA team the Eagles will
face as they look to continue the steps taken in the last
three games. “We look at each day, at each practice,
at each game as an opportunity to take positive steps forward.
Each time we have improved and I foresee much more to come,” commented
Coach Luckett. The Eagles will return to interstate action
in Phoenix on the 13th of September against Phoenix College
at 4:00.
Game Stats
The
women’s soccer team knows that
this year will be a building year. They also know that
they have to work
together and grow together each and every day and this was
definitely the case on Monday night when the women faced
Mesa Community College. Improvements were even apparent simply
between the first and second halves of the game as the women
gave up five goals in the first half and held Mesa scoreless
in the second half.
“I
told the team at halftime that we had to start winning
the first and second ball. We were just allowing
Mesa to win everything and then possess. Once we stepped
up and challenged for every ball, the whole momentum of the
game shifted and we began to go forward and match Mesa’s
play,” said Coach Luckett after the game.
The Eagles know that every day is a learning experience
and Monday night was a huge lesson in playing an aggressive
style of soccer where every ball is contended and out working
the opponent is the key to success. The women will look to
continue this positive feeling as they play Chandler-Gilbert
at home on Wednesday night at 7:00 pm.
Game Stats
The Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
University Women's Soccer team traveled to Paradise Valley
this morning to compete against the Pumas of Paradise Valley
Community College. It was the first test for both squads
this 2004 season, but the day belonged to the Pumas.
2004
is the inaugural season for the Eagles of ERAU, leaving
lessons
and game experience
as main points of focus for the women. "We were not
sure what to expect," quoted head coach Meghan Luckett.
We came out and were a bit timid, allowing PV to take
control of the game. After we talked at halftime, the
team came
out and played a very different game; much more intense
and focused."
The
women of ERAU played tough all ninety minutes and
challenged the ball much better
in the second half. "We have four more games in the
next week and have many facets of our game to improve upon," said
Coach Luckett. "We will continue to get stronger
as we put the pieces of this puzzle together."
The next test for the women
come on Monday night at home at 7:00 pm against Mesa Community
College. The match will be similar to Saturday, but the
Eagles will be ready to fight from the very first whistle,
challenging every ball and playing a quick, possession
style game of soccer
.Game
Stats
Women’s
Soccer Begins First Year with High Hopes (August 17th,
2004)
The
2004 season marks the first year that Embry Riddle
Aeronautical University
will be sponsoring a
women’s intercollegiate
soccer team. The hiring of Meghan Luckett in February of
2004, ignited the beginning of Women’s soccer with
the scheduling of games and also the first official recruiting
class for the program.
The soccer program is very proud to announce the signing
of four quality student-athletes in Kalei Silva, Kimmi Reeves,
Amanda Ritchie and Lindsey Ellis. These four athletes will
be joined by returning club players from the 2003 team to
comprise the 2004 roster.
The season will begin with its first action taking place
in Phoenix against Paradise Valley Community College and
conclude with interstate rival, Grand Canyon University on
November 6th. The season is marked with 20 games, ranging
from 8 home matches to away games in California, Utah, Missouri,
New Mexico and Florida.
The 2004 season will be a year of growth, both on and off
the field as the players become accustomed to the demands
of intercollegiate athletics. But with each new day and each
new game, the players and the coaching staff will grow and
build what will inevitably become a successful program that
entices quality athletes who have a strong desire to continue
their soccer careers while earning a quality education at
one of the nations premier institutions of higher learning.
The inaugural season
begins on August 9th, 2004 with the women seeing their
first
action on August 21st against Paradise Valley. (June 21st,
2004)
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott,
Arizona is extremely excited to announce the signing of three
quality athletes who will be joining the current players as
the team heads into its first season of intercollegiate action.
Raylynne "Kalei" Silva hailing
from Kaneohe, Hawaii will be joining the Eagles as a
transfer from Menlo College where
she was a leading goal scorer and contributor. She comes
highly recommend and will make a tremendous impact in
the fall both
on the field and in the realm of experience. She will be
the only player on the 2004 roster that has any intercollegiate
play under her belt. "Kalei will make an immediate impact"
said coach Luckett. "She is strong, quick and very talented
on the ball. I am very excited that we were able to sign
her
and have her become a cornerstone of this fledgling program."
Kimmi
Reeves is a true freshman
from Merryville, Louisiana and will be majoring in Aerospace
Engineering. She is a very focused student and athlete and
will come into the program with a spark that will undoubtedly
ignite the team. "Kimmi is a very talented athlete who
brings tremendous ability to the table. She will be a versatile
player who leads by example both on the field and in the classroom," stated
coach Luckett.
Lindsey Ellis is
another freshman who calls Puyallup, Washington home.
She is a dedicated athlete who has unfaltering intensity
that
will be much needed as we head into competition with veteran
teams. "Lindsey is the type of player every coach wants
on their team," said coach Luckett. "She is a work
horse that will never quit and will do anything for her teammates
and her coaching staff in order to see the team succeed."
The outlook for the season looks positive
with amazing growth potential. With 18 games and 2 scrimmages
scheduled from coast to coast, the 2004 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
University Women's Soccer team has much to look forward to
as it builds tradition and fights for the recognition it will
deserve.
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