2015 Season Preview: Women's Soccer
(Nashua, N.H.) The Rivier University Women's Soccer Program is looking forward to moving up the polls in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) this season. The team is returning 12 players from last year's squad, adding two transfers and 3 first years for the 2015 campaign.
On offense, 3rd Team GNAC All-Conference, and Husson Classic MVP, Maggie Cohoon (Derry, N.H. / Pinkerton Academy) returns, as well as Captain, Husson Classic All-Tournament Team and All-Sportsmanship Team member Megan Caron (Tyngsboro, Mass. / Tyngsboro). Cohoon was the 3rd leading scorer in the GNAC, with a knack for finding herself 1 on 1 with keepers and speed that seemed unmatched in the conference. Caron was second on the team in goals, assists and points and has the ability to shoot from anywhere, with either foot and take players on down the line with tremendous speed. Senior Paxton LaRocque (Londonderry, N.H. / Londonderry) returns to help lead her squad in the 2015 campaign. She earned All-Tournament honors as the team won the 2014 Husson Classic. She has moved into a forward role because of her tactical vision and ability to slot dangerous balls in for her teammates, as well as shoot from distance. Joining those three up top will be junior, Jackie Russo (Saugus, Mass. / Saugus), whose technical ability on the ball and nose for the goal will help aid in the attack. First year, Lexi Hardy (Methuen, Mass. / Methuen), rounds out the forward line and brings to the team a great first touch and ability to beat defenders and get the ball inside.
Returning to the midfield is Colby Creteau (Nashua, N.H. / Nashua North), who has the ability to hold the ball and connect the team together, both on and off the field. Emmary Nelson (Nashua, NH / Nashua North) moves up the field into the midfield position because of her ability to defend well and keep possession moving forward. Amanda Wickens (Tyngsboro, Mass. / Tyngsboro), also joins Nelson in that move, as she is fast, feisty and wreaks havoc on opposing midfielders. She also earned All-Tournament honors at the 2014 Husson Classic. Emily 'Eddy' Edwards (North Kingstown, R.I. / North Kingstown) is a wall in the midfield. She has great tackling ability and a simple touch to maintain possession. Transfer, Nikki Godschall (Hudson, N.H. / Alvirne) has shown her ability to take players on from the midfield, win it for the team and shoot from anywhere.
Defensively, returners Lydia Brown (Brookline, N.H. / The Academy of Notre Dame) and Jane Farrell (Wilmington, Mass. / Wilmington) will look to improve a back line with speed, strength, and another years' experience under their belt. Transfer, Hayley Barnard (Bedford, N.H. / Bedford), has brought with her two years' experience playing at the Division II level and a confidence and strength that will be hard to be beat. Jenny Thorpe (North Attleboro, Mass. / North Attleboro), has moved from midfield to defense this year to add some speed and depth to the back line. First year players, Megan Hamel (Colebrook, N.H. / Colebrook Academy) and Nicole McInerney (Dracut, Mass. / Central Catholic), both played central defender/central midfield positions previously and have shown great promise and improvement in the roles that have been asked of them.
Sophomore Lauren Goodspeed (Merrimack, N.H. / Merrimack) returns in goal. She was named to the All-Tournament Team at the Husson Classic where she recorded 12 saves against the hosts. She also earned GNAC Goalkeeper of the week following her performance against Newbury College and Lyndon State. She played every minute of every game last season and has returned with even greater fitness and confidence for her 2015 campaign.
