Your future, our focus
New Striker To Add Offensive Punch
The Northwest Trappers women’s soccer team has had trouble finding the back of the net in their first four games this season.
The Trappers are 1-2-1 and have been shut out twice.
“They’re getting a lot of chances but failing to finish those chances is a problem,” said head coach Rob Hill.
Freshman Aline De Lima leads the Trappers with two goals, both of which came in Northwest’s Aug. 23 opener against Dodge City, which they lost 4-2.
The Trapper women then played a 0-0 tie with North Idaho at home Aug. 25, beat Northwest Nazarene 3-1 in Coeur d’Alene Saturday and lost in Sunday’s rematch to North Idaho 1-0.
Hill said the Trappers are still learning what it takes to play NJCAA Division I soccer.
“We are too nice at times,” Hill said. “Over the past couple weeks they’ve learned how to compete and be collegiate athletes.”
While the goals haven’t come, Hill said the opportunities will.
“This is probably the best passing team I’ve coached at the women’s level,” he said.
And more help is on the way. Brazilian striker Barbara Fidelis, who had troubles with acquiring her visa, will provide a late, and much needed addition to the Trappers’ attack.
Fidelis comes highly recommended by 2012 Region IX player of the year Samhia Simao, the player Fidelis is expected to replace.
“We are definitely trying to replace that goal scoring that she (Simao) brought to the team,” Hill said.
An improved offense will go a long way to complement sophomore goaltender Katie Duffy, who has shown she can protect a lead if given one.
“She’s an excellent keeper,” Hill said. “Probably the best in Region IX.”
Duffy had 11 saves in the loss to Dodge City, another 11 in her shutout of North Idaho, 16 against Northwest Nazarene and 15 in the one-goal loss to North Idaho.
“(When) she had to make the big saves, she’s come up massive,” Hill said. “The goal that we conceded from North Idaho was from 35 yards out. It was just a perfect shot.”
Hill said he’s not too concerned with having a losing record at this point in the season.
“It was more or less getting prepared for regional games,” he said. “In terms of where they’ve started and where they are at right now I’m very, very happy.”
Conditioning is still an issue after just four games.
“I still think there’s a few players that need to understand the level of fitness you need to have to go on the road and play back to back games,” Hill said.
The Northwest women begin region play at home Wednesday at 3:30 p.m.