Last week, the Cal women’s soccer team poured goals into North Dakota State and Hawaii’s nets, outscoring both teams, 10-0.
But for coach Neil McGuire, he still saw shot efficiency as an area for improvement.
“We are trying to increase our shots on goal percentages,” McGuire said. “We are doing specific drills this week to increase their technical skills and tactical awareness when in front of the net.”
The Bears (3-1) are hosting the 17th annual Cal Invitational at Edwards Stadium this weekend. Cal will first face Kent State (3-0) today at 4 p.m. and finish the invitational by playing Denver (3-0) on Sunday at 3 p.m.
As hosts of the invitational, the Bears usually chalk off two easy wins against their opponents; last year, Cal crushed Rice and Hawaii, 4-1 and 8-1, respectively, to win the tournament.
But this year might be another story against the Golden Flashes and the Pioneers.
Kent State, who struggled last year after a 4-10-4 record, has already won three games this season. Although it is not a mighty feat to beat the likes of Cleveland State, St. Bonaventure and Morehead State, it is clear that the Golden Flashes are in midst of a rebound from their 2010 disappointing season and could be the dark horse of the tournament.
But the real threat to Cal is Denver, according to McGuire. The Pioneers have been a powerhouse in the Sun Belt conference for several years. Despite finishing last season with a stellar 19-2-1 record, Denver failed to make the NCAA tournament, which left many in collegiate soccer, including McGuire, scratching their heads.
Both teams also bring distinct styles of soccer to Berkeley. Kent State plays an attack-minded 4-3-3 formation that pushes inside the middle, with sophomore forward Jessacca Gironda leading the forwards with three goals this season. Denver plays a traditional 4-4-2, led by the tandem of forward Kaitlyn Bast, who scored 14 goals this season, and forward Nicholette DiGiacomo, who assisted 15 goals as a freshman.
“Both teams have different offensive threats in different areas of the field, and we will have to adjust and be aware through this weekend,” McGuire said.
The Bears have made the proper adjustments so far in the season. On offense, forwards Katie Benz and Mekenna DeBack have amply stepped into fill in Alex Morgan’s boots by scoring a total of seven goals this season. On defense, Cal is looking to maintain its clean sheet record. The team allowed no goals last weekend.
Unfortunately for the Bears, the squad’s rout last week in Hawaii had some negative effects on players, health-wise.
After coming back to Berkeley on a red-eye flight on Sunday night, some players showed signs of fatigue and difficulty adjusting to the time zone changes. Some of the players had difficulty adjusting to regular practices this week.
“Most of the players went straight to school after we got off the plane,” McGuire said. “When you travel three time zones, fatigue happens. We are giving them ample rest so they can be ready for Friday’s match.”
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