Several injuries and a large portion of new recruits means the women’s soccer team is in for a tough year.
Macky Singh, head coach of the STU women’s soccer team, said the large amount of incoming players is typical for his squad.
“We’ve always been consistent with the number of players coming in and out,” Singh said.
He said player turnover is high because of graduating students. This season 12 players are in their second year or under.
“It will take some time for the players to gel,” said Singh.
The team had 17 players on the roster at the beginning of the season. Since then, one has quit.
Compared to the men’s soccer team, the women’s team has fewer players. Singh said it isn’t an issue. He said the program is always looking for more people but wouldn’t want to compromise player quality.
“The players have to be focused. They’re there to achieve a goal.”
But while the new players are still learning the ropes, many of the returning women are playing through their injuries.
Team co-captains Elaine Gillis and Brittany Jenkins said there is a high level of pressure to stay healthy with so few players.
“You have to think about everything you do on and off the field,” said Gillis.
Jenkins added most players have faced injuries already this season, but are choosing to play anyway because of the team’s situation.
Given their struggles, the women’s soccer team is still positive about their season. They lost two exhibition games and tied their home opener against UNBSJ, but played consistently and made good plays against strong competitors.
Singh said STU is typically dominant throughout the games, often outshooting opponents two to one, but they need to work on getting past the goalie.
“We’re struggling to find that finishing touch,” he said.
The team lost 1-0 against University of King’s College in Halifax on Saturday.
Singh believes this season is going to be challenging, but in a good way. He said it’s important that the team competes against strong teams so they can pinpoint what they need to improve on.
“We just need to focus for a full 90 minutes,” said Singh.
STU visits Dalhousie Agricultural Campus next Saturday.
