The Saint Mary’s soccer team is currently riding high, opening the season with a perfect record of 5-0 for the first time since 2011. The Belles have outscored their opponents by large margins and have only let two goals be scored on them this season so far, demonstrating their sound execution of offensive and defensive plays. With their upcoming match against Anderson (2-2-1), much is to be expected of the Belles, from key players such as freshman forward Mia Johnson, sophomore defender Danielle Escobedo and sophomore defender Isabella Kreydich.
Johnson is coming off a pivotal match from last week against Concordia University Chicago, where she recorded her first collegiate career hat trick. Johnson has already scored seven goals this season on 11 shots, leading the team with shot-on-goal percentage of .423. Johnson was also named Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) player of the week, and as of the morning of Sept. 12, ranks fourth in Division III in goals scored.
Escobedo is an aggressive defender who is able to feed anyone on the team, but is not afraid to take a shot on goal when her team needs her to. As a freshman, she was ranked second on the team for assists, was tied for sixth in total points scored and was named an MIAA Defensive Player of the Week. This year is no different, with Escobedo already having two assists, one goal and helping score five points this season.
Similarly, Kreydich is a force to be reckoned with on the field. Last season, she was ranked second on the team for goals, was tied for sixth in total points scored and recorded 16 shots with eight shots on goal. This season, she currently has four goals, one assist and a helping score of nine points overall. Together, these two will be a strong combination of defense and scoring power — one that will be difficult for Anderson to find an answer for.
Anderson, however, will not be unarmed, with crucial players such as junior forward Kennedy Hurst and senior forward Emily Wilusz leading the Ravens. Hurst already has five shots on goal, two goals and an assist, she’s going to be a hard player for sophomore goalkeeper Keona Caraballo to stop. Wilusz has already helped the team score two points overall. While she doesn’t yet have a goal on the season, she will be hungry to potentially make the first one of her senior year against the Belles.
This game is sure to be an aggressive match, with each side bringing players to the field who are fighting for more records and first scores. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m at Anderson University this Wednesday, Sept. 17.
