EOU 2008 Soccer Outlook
Liz Brice
This season Eastern Oregon University's head soccer coach Jessy Watson brings in his first recruiting class featuring six "technically and fundamentally sound" players from around the Northwest, according to Watson.
After finishing 5-9 in Watson's first season, the Mountaineers look to take a step forward in 2008.
Martha Billings, who received Honorable Mention All CCC honors, headlines a group of nine returners from 2007. The Mounties also regain the services of 2006 1st Team All-CCC Conference standout Tara Moran.
The Mounties pick up four outstanding transfers who will bring experience and toughness to the field. Hailey Bohnet, a transfer from Walla Walla CC joins the Mountaineers at the forward potion. Chelsea Hager transfers from Southern Oregon CC, and will be showing her experience in the mid-field. Joining returners Billings and Moran on the defensive end will be Star Swan, a sophomore transfer from Northern State University, and goal keeper Kalah Minter, a sophomore transfer from Western Nevada CC.
Freshman Kendra Kuust from Dallas, Oregon and Jennifer Smalley from Bremerton, Washington will also bring toughness to the defensive end.
The Mounties start their season off with a home scrimmage against Treasure Valley CC on August 26 at 4:00 PM. The squad then travels to Nampa and Caldwell respectively to play a Northwest Nazarene University September 5th and Rocky Mountain College September 6th. The Mounties return home to play George Fox University September 10th, Carroll College September 12th, and University of Great Falls September 14th. With a tough pre-season schedule, Watson hopes to prepare his team for the competitive Cascade Conference in 2008.