The University of Memphis women's soccer team is doingeverything it can this spring to erase the memories of a difficult2003 season and for good reason.
The Tigers concluded their 2003 campaign with a discouraging5-10-3 record.
Junior midfielder Heather Wilson said the team played muchbetter than the record indicated.
"(Last season) we had (opposing) coaches say we were one of themost difficult teams they had to play," said Wilson. "We coulddominate for 75 minutes and struggle for the last 15."
Wilson cited youth as part of the reason her team struggled tobe consistent, and sophomore forward Robyn Smart agrees.
"Last season, we all played as individuals," Smart said. "Thisspring we've seen it come together."
Although spring contests don't count statistically, Memphisplayers are encouraged by their performance so far.
On Feb. 28, the Tigers went 2-0-1 at the College Classic Cup atthe Mike Rose Soccer Complex. They earned 1-0 victories overAlabama and NSA Club, while playing Auburn to a 2-2 draw.
This weekend in Huntsville, Ala., the Tigers have two morechances to build confidence. Memphis will face Tennessee Tech andVanderbilt and will also host Tennessee Tech during the regularseason.
"Spring is a time when most teams play everybody," U of M coachBrooks Monaghan said. "It's really a time for individuals toimprove."
Monaghan said Smart is among those making the biggest strides.After appearing in every Memphis game last season as a midfielder,Smart is making the switch to defender for 2004.
Smart isn't the only player leaving a vacancy in midfield.Standout junior midfielder Nikki McLeod tore her ACL last week.
McLeod started every game for the Tigers last season. Her eightpoints (two goals, four assists) ranked third on the team.
The injury could sideline McLeod well into the season, butMonaghan said he is optimistic she will return by September to helpher team during the conference schedule.
While it's too early to tell who will replace McLeod if she isunable to start the season, Monaghan said the improvement of hisplayers, combined with a good recruiting class, will help ease theloss. But he concedes McLeod is irreplaceable.
"Those shoes can't really be filled," Monaghan said. "She's avery special player."
Even with the loss of McLeod, the Lady Tigers say their newfoundchemistry will carry them through the injury.
"(Spring practice) tends to be tiring, but in the end, youdevelop a sense of camaraderie," Wilson said. "It's neat to see howwe've come together as a team."
