|
Aug. 08– The Concordia women's soccer team, under second year head coach Joe Alianiello, was chosen to finish fourth by NSIC coaches. The Bears received 63 points, just four points behind number three Northern State. For the eighth consecutive year Winona State was selected as the NSIC preseason favorite in the soccer coaches’ poll, while the University of Mary was second.
Winona State won their third consecutive regular season championship in 2006 and their sixth overall regular-season championship. The University of Mary received a first place vote as they were picked second. The Marauders upset Winona State in overtime last year 1-0 in the NSIC Tournament Championship game. Northern State was tabbed third in the poll this season and received a first place vote as well.
Northern State boasts NSIC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year in Kira Wannebo. Winona State boasts the NSIC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year in Holly Sutton, the Warriors second preseason player of the year in as many years.
Last season Concordia set a school-record with 11 wins, going 11-11-1 and 6-3 in the NSIC in Alianiello's first season. Their 6-3 regular-season record gave them their best season in the NSIC, finishing in a tie for second. Bears finished third in the NSIC tournament, defeating Wayne State 1-0 in double-overtime for the consolation title.
Alianiello was named the NSIC Co-Coach of the Year for his and his team's effort. The
The Bears return six of their top seven scorers from a year ago, including leading scorer senior Hillary Johnson, who had eight goals, five assists and was named first team all-NSIC and Daktronics second-team. Junior Sam Voeller is also back, as the teams third-leading scorer with four assists and four goals. She was an all-NSIC honorable-mention selection in 2006.
| Preseason NSIC Coaches Poll |
Pts. |
| 1. |
Winona State (8) |
89 |
| 2. |
University of Mary (2) |
81 |
| 3. |
Northern State (1) |
67 |
| 4. |
Concordia University |
63 |
| 5. |
Bemidji State |
60 |
| 6. |
Wayne State |
51 |
| 7. |
Upper Iowa |
39 |
| 8. |
SW Minnesota State |
37 |
| 9. |
MSU Moorhead |
34 |
| 10. |
Minnesota Crookston |
19 |
| first place votes in () |
|
