The success of the women's soccer team this season has not stemmed from its offense; in fact, the Jumbos have not netted more than three goals in any single game. Clearly the key factor in their 11-2 campaign is the team's dominance in the backfield. Giving up an average of less than one goal per game, and amassing five shutouts thus far this season, the defensive unit has been virtually impenetrable.
"I feel like our back four have been clicking this year," coach Martha Whiting said. "They all have a great understanding of the way we play and are working well together."
Leading the way is senior goalkeeper Randee McArdle. A member of the All-New England team last year, McArdle has not disappointed anyone so far this season, allowing only 10 goals in the 11 games in which she started. Her 0.92 goals against average is among the best in the NESCAC.
"Randee has been great all year," Whiting said. "She has developed into one of the top keepers in NESCAC and has really made some clutch saves in some really important games."
McArdle will also have a chance to break a long Tufts goalkeeper record standing record tomorrow, as she will attempt her 20th career save.
Also starting in the backfield are senior Carmen Mikacenic, junior Katie Ruddy, sophomore Brenna O'Rourke, and freshman Jessie Lovitz.
Whiting points to Mikacenic's leadership and skill as the glue that holds the defense together. "Carmen's presence in the back is huge," Whiting said. "As a senior captain she is doing a great job of being a leader in the back."
"Our style of defense has really taken shape this year," Mikacenic said. One of the three seniors on the team, she feels that experience and leadership are the keys to the Jumbo defense this season.
"The fact that we have two players who are in their third year of experience with [the flat-back four defensive strategy] really helps. I also think that all of our defenders are really skillful, thoughtful players, which helps bring composure under stressful situations."
The team has had its share of stressful situations, as six of its games have been decided by just one goal. The only blowout loss of the season was dealt by Bowdoin, a team that is currently ranked fourth in the nation. At the time, the four goals relinquished in the game matched the number of goals the Jumbos had allowed all season.
"In the Bowdoin game they brought three forwards against us and played quickly to the front," Mikacenic said. "We held them close for the majority of the game but the team effort declined towards the end."
With the NESCAC tournament quickly approaching, the Jumbos realize that they will likely face the Polar Bears another time in their quest for a trophy. "We are excited to play against them again to revenge our loss," Mikacenic said.
Before that fateful game, the Jumbos will face the potent Williams offense this weekend, which has amassed 44 goals this season, compared to the Jumbos' 28.
"Saturday we'll have to guard against Williams' speed up front," Whiting said. "We can't make mental mistakes in the back. For the most part, the goals scored against us have been a result of mental mistakes. As long as we play smart and tough we'll be able to contain Williams."
Defense will be key in the homecoming game, which will mean more than simply solidifying a 12-2 season record and a high seed in the NESCAC tournament.
"They are the only team [the seniors] have not defeated in our years here, and we feel that it is definitely time. Like any other game, I'm not worried about their offense because our defense is strong. We can hold anyone scoreless if we are on."
