The Women’s Soccer team has been nothing short of exceptional this season, wrapping up the regular schedule with a stellar 10-2-1 record. Under the guidance of Head Coach Ken Shingledecker, the squad has demonstrated a dominant and cohesive style of play that has left a lasting impression across the league.
According to Shingledecker their only setbacks came against the number one and three teams in the nation whereas for everyone else, they beat convincingly with a dominant style of play. With the regular season now behind them, the team is poised for a deep run, fueled by their confidence and exceptional form.
Shingledecker attributed much of the team’s success to an “increased scoring output, with two of the best goal scorers in our team,” while one of the team captains, Samantha Guciardo, pointed to the “really good chemistry inside [our] team, with the sophomores who know each other well and the freshmen who add to us.”
After closing the regular season with a win over Grand Rapids Community College (10-4), the team now shifts its focus to regionals.
“We’re peaking at the right time,” Shingledecker said. “We’re ready to make some noise at the national tournament.”
The team is set for regionals this weekend (Nov. 2-3) and is looking forward to hosting districts the following week with a victory at regionals.
Making it to Nationals is the primary goal for the team, a goal that may be more achievable thanks to a recent change in their system of play.
Shingledecker shifted from a classic 4-4-2 formation into a more dynamic 4-3-3 to maximize the impact of his team’s dynamic players. A change of system that paid off for the team. The team’s mobile and athletic players on both full-back positions gives the team the opportunity to press very high. The goal is to control the game and therefore, these full-backs tend to play in an inverted role. Thus, they have more presence in the center of the field which leads to stronger build up play on the one hand, and to closer distances for the counterpressing in case of a turnover. As a result, the 4-3-3 system can transform into a 2-5-3 or 2-4-1-3 formation. It’s a risky type of system, but when the details are right, it can be effective and entertaining to watch. In professional soccer, teams like Manchester City last year, or FC Bayern Munich, follow the same tactic and their success speaks for itself.
However, the susceptibility to counterattacks has been a weak point that needs to be addressed. Shingledecker acknowledged the risks of the system, particularly its vulnerability to counterattacks. To address this, he emphasized “practicing the transition from attacking to defending.” Team captain Victoria Kebbe also stressed the importance of “staying defensively compact the whole game.” Kebbe helps the team with her variety on the field that enables her to play as a center-back or the ten. Her experience tends to help less-experienced teammates and take pressure off them during critical moments.
By the numbers, the Women’s Soccer team has had a successful season, but now, with Nationals within sight, the team will need to show their true potential in tough games ahead.
For more information on the women’s soccer program, go to www.schoolcraftocelots.com.
