Big Ten 2014

Stefanie Golan's first full class is large at nine players: http://www.gophersports.com/sports/w-soccer/spec-rel/020514aaa.html

This class is mostly focused on defense, but has a few strong attacking recruits in Sydney Squires and Hannah Holm.

If the roster holds as is, Minnesota will have 28 girls on the team next year, up from 18 when Coach Golan took over. Adding more girls and depth was one of the first things she mentioned when taking the job.

 

You can always assume that those schools not releasing their fall signings have some issues with the recruits from commitments to admissions issues. Otherwise, most schools who are looking for high "recruit class" rankings, will put the class announcements out fast for PR.

 

Any update on the rest of the signings articles...Maryland, Rutgets Purdue, and WI (only see their schedule, not signings.)

 

Purdue http://www.purduesports.com/sports/w-soccer/spec-rel/030714aac.html

 

Maryland just revised its roster for 2014 and these four names were added. I believe at least some of these players came early and have started already.

Egyed, Rachel GK 5-7 Fr. Clifton, N.J. (Clifton)
Moore, Julia MF 5-6 Fr. Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Pine Crest School)
Turner, Madison MF/F 5-5 Fr. South Bend, Ind. (St. Joseph's)
Waters, Kate MF/F 5-7 Fr. Hudson, Ohio (Hudson)

 

Not seeing any evidence of Wisconsin recruiting class so something isn't going as planned.. Your link DMT only shows their spring schedule and they are just announcing a game cancellation this Saturday vs. Loyola. Their spring roster isn't updated either. They are going into the spring with good number of resigns, and sitouts for variety of issues, injuries, violations, fitness. I have a buddy with connections there.

 

For what it's worth the spread sheet lists 6 recruits for Wisconsin in 2014:
spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AriynKqmGsRwdGUyR1ZrSFFUbHFZblNCMnBNZnNqc1E&output=html

 

Minnesota's schedule was just released: http://www.gophersports.com/sports/w-soccer/spec-rel/040814aab.html

It's a tough one.

@ Stetson
@ Florida State
Marquette
South Dakota State
@Ole Miss
vs Auburn (in Oxford, MS)
@ Michigan
@ Michigan State
Iowa
@ Purdue
@ Indiana
Penn State
Ohio State
Nebraska
@ Illinois
Wisconsin
Maryland
Rutgers
@ Northwestern

 

PSU also plays Syracuse on Aug 24 (from the Syracuse schedule) and they always play Bucknell.

A little birdie told me they play UConn on Aug 29.

That, plus a scrimmage, should round out the non-conference schedule.

 

IU has a sophomore transfer that should help them defensively. Transferred in from Samford, originally from the Indy area. Started 20 games for Samford last year. I know people will say it's not the same level of play, which I agree with. I'm pretty confident that she will fit in well not only with the team but in the BIG10, knowing that she's played with and against a fair number of the players at the youth level, and that I've seen her play on several occasions.

 

Will be curious to see how Michigan fairs this coming season. The seniors contributed so much to the team over the last couple of years. Losing the target (and top scoring) forward, key midfiedlers and defenders is a lot to have to replace in one year. At a minimum, the style of play will have to be adapted in that the 'play it long to the big, strong forward if all else fails' will not be an option. What was lost in terms of strength and power in the final third will be replaced by speed, meaning control in the midfield will be crucial.

Will be a testament to Mr. Ryan if he can keep this team near the top 10 this year and beyond.

 

Still no announcement on Wisconsin recruiting class, so don't think the six recruits mentioned means a lot. Rumors floating around, but no reasons giving in press.

 

Will be interesting year with Rutgers and Maryland coming into the mix. Three keepers plus coming in for Rutgers. For Maryland, just see announcement of their fall schedule..anyone have their recruiting class. These two teams coming in should add spark to the season. Will make Big Ten Tournament qualification a harder goal which is good for the conference.

http://www.umterps.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=29700&ATCLID=209500948

http://www.scarletknights.com/soccer-women/news/release.asp?prID=14962#.U4Ce1r4o4cA

 

These are going to be season highlights. West Virginia never is to be underestimated, and who doesn't like to see a Duke, PSU and NC showdown.

 

Gophers schedule should be good prep for the BIG10. All five preseason games will be good test in different ways. Stetson has talent, as does Ole Miss and of course Marquette. Its too bad the FSU game is away, but will be good road challenge.

 

Three B1G teams in the NSCAA Preseason Top 25, FWIW, which isn't a lot:

http://www.nscaatv.com/rankings/3109/NCAADivisionI/women/PreseasonPoll

 

Michigan will not be #7.
They lost too much talent (Ezurike, Hein, Zadorsky, etc).

 

Tough to argue with that. They've got a lot to replace.

 

Big Ten Coaches Preseason Poll:

1. Penn State
2. Wisconsin
3. Maryland
4. Nebraska
5. Michigan
6. Ohio State
7. Illinois
T8. Iowa
T8. Rutgers
10. Indiana
11. Minnesota
12. Michigan State
13. Northwestern
14. Purdue

Full release here: http://www.bigten.org/sports/w-soccer/spec-rel/081314aaa.html