UIndy women’s soccer season ends with an 8th-place finish in GLVC standings
By Dan Friend
Managing Editor
Three losses in the four final games of the season dropped the University of Indianapolis women’s soccer team (8-10, 6-7 GLVC) to eighth in the conference and out of post-season contention.
The ‘Hounds finished the season tied for eighth in the Great Lakes Valley Conference with St. Joseph’s College.
The top eight teams in the GLVC at the end of the season earn a tournament berth, but St. Joseph’s conference record of 5-6-2 edged out the ‘Hounds.
Head coach Geoff VanDeusen finished his first season as head coach of the women’s soccer on Oct. 21. He said that the team’s inability to maintain a consistent level of play and failure to win back-to-back games contributed to the up-and-down season.
The women’s squad finished the season statistically superior to its opponents, averaging 2.25 goals per game compared to an opponent average of 1.65. The team also played its opponents close, losing two games by two goals and the rest by only a lone goal.
“We were in every game, but we’ve got to find ways to win,” VanDeusen said.
The ‘Hounds did not let the season end without a fight, however. They forced the final game of the season against Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville into an overtime period on Oct. 21 at Key Stadium. Scores came from freshman forward Kacey Loudermilk and sophomore forward Amanda Reese, but the UIndy squad gave up the final score in the 95th minute, losing 2-3. SIUE was ranked 21st in the nation at the time of the match.
A single goal lifted Quincy University over the women’s soccer team 0-1 on Oct. 19. Sophomore goalkeeper Andrea Swihart had three saves in the home contest, and both teams posted four shots on goal.
A road trip to Missouri yielded a win and a loss. The women ‘Hounds defeated Missouri-Rolla University 4-1 on Oct. 14. Sophomore forward Ashley Seehase kicked a pair of goals and assisted in the ‘Hounds’ other two goals.
The ‘Hounds squared off against Missouri-St. Louis University, jumping ahead 1-0 in the sixth-minute on a goal from Reese on Oct. 12. However, the Tritons answered back to beat the UIndy squad 1-2.
Although the team notched only one win in its four final games, Seehase said the season ended on a strong note.
“One thing we noticed throughout the season is that each game we got better as a team,” Seehase said. “It was a big step for us, even if it wasn’t shown on the scoreboard.”
VanDeusen, Seehase and junior forward Monique Gamble said that becoming tougher physically and mentally will be a goal in offseason training. According to Gamble, the UIndy players did not compete with enough intensity against opponents. UIndy notched 39 fewer fouls than its opponents this year, 150-189.
“They [opponents] are always going to try to push you off of the ball,” Gamble said. “At some point, you have to keep them from pushing you around.”
With the regular season completed, the UIndy women’s soccer squad will look forward to next season, according to VanDeusen. The players will be expected to train mentally and physically and bond as a team, and the coaches will be expected to bring in the best players possible, he said. UIndy already has received three verbal commitments.
“I’m looking for foundation players. They don’t have to be flashy,” VanDeusen said. “They need to love the game and want to succeed at UIndy.”
