Women’s soccer looks to improve with new coach
The SMU women’s soccer team boasts a talented first-yearclass, but none of the new additions bring along the credentials ofthe team’s new coach. John Cossaboon, former directorof coaching for the North Texas State Soccer Association, washanded the reigns of the defending WAC champions after George VanLinder left the Lady Mustangs to become Baylor’s head coach.
Cossaboon, who previously coached women’s soccer at theUniversity of San Diego, has been a staple in women’s soccersince 1993 when he became one of the few Americans to coach in theJapanese women’s professional league. He has high goals forhis inaugural season.
“We’re going to go hard through non-conferenceand conference play, trying to get ready for the post season andthe tough teams we’ll be meeting there,” Cossaboon saidin a pre-season interview with SMU Athletics.
The Lady Mustangs, ranked 22nd in the NSCAA/adidas Division Ipreseason poll, face Texas Tech in their home opener Friday nightat Westcott Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m., andadmission is free with an SMU ID.
SMU has already faced its first tough test, losing 3-1 lastSunday to sixth-ranked Texas A&M, the team that has eliminatedSMU from the previous two NCAA tournaments. SophomoreMorgan Field scored SMU’s only goal in the 88th minute.
The season got off to a much better start as SMU defeated SamHouston State last Friday, winning 10-1 and out shooting theBearcats 37-7. Senior Kim Harvey had three goals inthe contest for her second collegiate hat trick while adding twoassists. Sophomore Jennifer Martin also added two goals.
On the heels of last year’s 13-6-4 record, the LadyMustangs are the preseason pick to defend their WAC crown. However, they must replace four starters from lastyear’s squad, three of whom were seniors last season.Goaltender Erin McLeod, an unexpected absence, has taken a year offfrom school to compete for Canada in the 2003 Women’s WorldCup. Senior Rachel Slocum and junior Amanda Clark have bothseen time in net, allowing a total of four goals in two games.
Coach Cossaboon will be looking for the trio of Harvey, JillHeinemann and Amanda Jordan, all members of the preseason All-WACteam, to help guide the Lady Mustangs this season. Harvey,fifth the on SMU’s career scoring list, will be counted on toprovide timely offense.
“If we can set [Harvey] up to do her magic,she’s going to score an awful lot of goals,” Cossaboonsaid in his season preview.
With SMU dressing just four seniors, Cossaboon also hopes thatsome of the new faces on his roster can make an immediate impact.
On the offensive side of the ball, Olivia O’Rear ofFarmers Branch will look to continue her high school tear of 127goals and 31 assists over four years. Joining her will be2003 Gatorade Hawaii State Player of the Year Adria Campbell. Defensively, Susanne Collins, Alyssa Pembroke and AshleyWatson all look to see some time on the field this season.
