News Magazine of the UW Department of Communication
By Michael Jeremiah
Veronica Perez stands 12 yards away from the goal. The only thing between Perez and a Husky victory is the Arizona State goalkeeper, minding her line like a prison guard on high alert. Perez charges at the ball on the official's whistle, but her shot is deflected off the keeper. The ball bounces back to Perez, who powers the ball into the back of the net, giving the Huskies a 2-1 overtime victory.
This scene from its win over Arizona State was just one of many exciting moments from the University of Washington women's soccer team turnaround season in 2008. After three consecutive losing seasons, the Huskies bounced back with one of the best campaigns in program history, finishing 15-6-1 and advancing to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2004-2005. Improvement was seen in all facets of the game. “The offense is the biggest difference this year,” said Rosie Leutzinger, the team's sports information director who handles statistics. “That's how you win games, is with goals. They had much more of an attacking style this year and that helped.”
A quick look at the statistics would make is easy to attribute the improvement on offense to a breakout season from Perez. The junior forward dominated the attacking third for the Huskies this year, tallying 13 goals and five assists for a total of 31 points on her way to being named second team All-Pac-10.
Perez was best in the clutch, scoring six game-winning goals. She used an impressive combination of speed and creativity to weave through defenders, who were often lunging at air trying to stop Perez. As teams took notice of Perez, opportunities began to open for her teammates.
“Veronica Perez had a breakout season and that helped other people like Melissa Beal,” said Leutzinger. “ Beal now had a supporting cast with Perez's breakout, and it opened up opportunities for her and her teammates. The defense couldn't key on one person.”
Beal has been a prolific scorer throughout her career, leading the Huskies in scoring in 2005 and 2006. She was able to return to that scoring prominence this year, at times working well with Perez to get open in the opposing defense . The forward finished her senior season with five goals and one assist.
The play of the two upperclassmen helped the Huskies keep the pressure on opponents.
“As far as creating and playing off one another and showing that kind of sharpness in the attack, it's huge for our success,” said Coach Lesle Gallimore of Beal and Perez.
Another boost came from freshmen midfielder Kate Dienes. Dienes, who won numerous awards while in high school, was called upon early to contribute to the team. She responded with an excellent season, finishing second on the team in scoring with seven goals. Dienes was named to the All-Pac-10 freshman team and earned All-Pac-10 honorable mention.
The main difference was not individual achievement though, instead it was in the entire team's scoring improvement that led to the year's success. The Huskies exploded this year in terms of goal scoring, more than doubling their total from 2007 with 40 goals.
The wealth was spread out among 10 different players, with five players scoring three or more goals. In 2007, the team only had two players who had three or more goals on the year, as most the team's offensive production only came from a few players.
For the Huskies, the change in offensive production did not only show on their side of the scoreboard.
The Huskies had a strong defense in 2007 but were often unable to put up any sort of offensive help to take the pressure off the back line. This year, the Huskies averaged 1.82 goals per game, which allowed an already solid defense to get even better. The defense used that offensive help to keep pushing the ball forward and away from their goal. The result was an impressive six shutouts.
Washington 's offensive confidence in the regular season played a huge role in the Huskies postseason win against Louisiana State University . The Huskies were down 2-0 midway through the second half in a loser-out game. In the final 30 minutes though, Washington turned on the attack. Goals from Dienes and Perez forced overtime. The Huskies scored the game winner in the first overtime period when senior midfielder Jenna Robison scored on a shot from the top of the box, giving the Huskies a 3-2 victory over the Tigers.
With the season now finished, the Huskies now look to train hard this offseason to keep playing at the high level next year. If the team continues to play with the same prolific attack that was crucial to its rise in 2008, there will be no shortage of goals in 2009.
“The offense that they had this year is what every team hopes for,” said Leutzinger. “It's part of a recipe of success that could lead the program to some exciting times in the coming years.”
Interested in Husky Soccer and the sport in general? Check out these links!
MLS Soccer is coming to Seattle with the Sounders FC!
USA Women's National team site
