August 24, 2006 -
FLORENCE, S.C. – Despite a small roster numbering only 16, the Francis Marion University women’s soccer team under the direction of head coach Marty Beall projects a bright outlook as the program heads into its second year of transitioning from NCAA Division II to Division I.
Beall welcomes back six letterwinners, including four starters from last year’s 5-9-1 squad. That mark was the first losing campaign in the program’s 12-year history.
FMU will open its fall slate on Aug. 25 at UNC Charlotte. The 49ers return 12 letterwinners, including eight starters, from last year’s 11-9 squad that finished third in the Atlantic 10 Conference.
FMU’s 19-match schedule consists of only one match against a non-Division I opponent. It includes 12 road matches highlighted by an Aug. 31 trip to Columbia to face the University of South Carolina and an Oct. 1 jaunt to face Clemson University. The home schedule consists of contests against Charleston Southern University (Sept. 13), Western Carolina University (Sept. 22), East Carolina University (Sept. 24), South Carolina State University (Oct. 13), Coastal Carolina University (Oct. 24), Delaware State University (Oct. 27), and the University of North Florida (Oct. 29).
“What we lack in quantity, we make up for in quality,” said an excited Beall. “The quality is there to play at the Division I level, and I feel as though we are on target as we finish our transition period. We identified the areas we were lacking in last season, and made improvements with our recruiting class and returnees.”
Senior back Brittany Rothenbach, a three-year starter, and junior goalkeeper Jacque Sutphin head the returnees. Rothenbach, the team’s most valuable player in 2003, was selected to the 2005 Division I Independent Women’s Soccer All-Academic Team. She tallied one goal and one assist last year. FMU also regains the services of juniors Ashley Fortune (15 goals, 10 assists in 2004) and Jody Rhoderick, who both played in 2004, but were redshirted in 2005. Fortune led the team in scoring in 2004 and tallied both FMU goals in a recent preseason exhibition win over Campbell University.
“Ashley’s return aids us in many ways,” Beall said. “Her playing personality fits our style of play. When other teams turn their focus on her, she also possesses the ability to find the open player.”
“Our style of play this year is more possession oriented. Think of a Princeton basketball game, only on the soccer field. We will look to score as holes open up in the defense.”
Sutphin compiled a 2.63 goals against average with 103 saves, while playing every minute in goal last fall. Her twin sister, Brandi, is a junior forward on this year’s squad. She sat out last season after transferring from West Virginia University.
Beall said, “Jacque has played well in preseason, and we are excited to have her back in goal. Freshman Emily Brandenburg from Martinez, Ga., is her back-up in goal. Emily shows great promise, works extremely hard, and I expect great improvement in her play as she gets collegiate experience.”
In addition to Rothenbach and Jacque Sutphin, the two other returning starters are sophomore back Brandi Bonifay (1 goal, 1 assist) and senior midfielder Alese Tremmel (3 assists). Other returnees include senior midfielder Keri Barton and sophomore midfielder Kiersten Nedervelt.
“Rothenbach and Bonifay anchor our defense,” Beall said. “Both have had outstanding preseasons.”
In addition to Brandenburg, six other freshmen comprise the Patriot roster: midfielders Kirby Stenard (Cincinnati, OH), Angela Salem (Copley, OH), Meagan Sheffler (Middletown, MD), Emily Setzler (Cayce, SC), and backs Ashley Van Laethem (Chesapeake, VA), and Rachel Rubin (Charlotte, NC). Beall expects all to see considerable playing time this season.
“Despite her stature at only 5-2, Kirby has opened some eyes during the preseason with her creative attacking personality on the field. Angela has had a fantastic preseason, and Meagan is capable of very creative moments off the ball. Both bring a very attacking style to our midfield. Rachel is a very athletic player who gives us a strong outside back.”
Beall’s charges must however avoid injuries. “We have taken aims to avoid injuries without lessening the intensity of our practices. Our goal has been to get fit without getting hurt. For the most part, that has been achieved,” Beall added.
Entering its 12th season, the Patriot program owns an all-time mark of 138-55-6, including an all-time home record of 77-16-3.
As a team, Francis Marion earned National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Team Academic Awards for both the 2003-04 and 2004-05 school years.
