Soccer team looks to improve on defense, aggressive play

After giving up 16 shots and five goals in its exhibition contest against the University of Denver, the Nebraska soccer team placed a renewed emphasis on its defense.

The coaching staff evaluated how its team was playing and decided to get back to the aggressive style of play they have always preached to their players, assistant coach Dan Bassett said.

NU began practicing more on the defensive side of the ball, senior goalie Tara Macdonald said, with added emphasis on winning headers and 50-50 balls.

Last week, the Huskers saw the fruits of their labor in not allowing a shot in the first half of their contest against Loyola Maryland on Sunday.

"We all played for each other," freshman defender Maritza Hayes said. "We played as a team, defended as a unit and attacked as a unit."

For good defense, the whole team must be involved, Hayes said, and the Huskers are constantly asked to "defend with 11."

"Defense starts from the forward line and the midfield line," Hayes said. "Not only did our defense line improve, but our defense as a whole improved."

Part of the Huskers' success on defense came from the play of Macdonald in goal.

Until a red card took Emma Stevens out of last Friday's match, Macdonald wasn't expected to play. Still nursing a sore wrist, Macdonald said she always remains prepared to go and was ready to step in Friday and Sunday.

Her two shutouts over the weekend earned Macdonald her first Big 12 defensive player of the week honor.

"I really don't think I deserved it," Macdonald said. "I feel like the team did a lot more than I did over the weekend."

Although awards and improved performances show the Huskers are headed in the right direction defensively, Bassett said he would prefer to focus on the things that aren't going well for Nebraska.

"We try to look at things we don't do well and try to face up to those," Bassett said. "If you do good things, they take care of themselves. If you focus on the things you aren't good at, you will become good at them."

Nebraska's improved effort came not only from hard work during practice, Macdonald said, but also from a change in the group's  mindset.

"Everyone is so competitive. No one wants to feel like we did a couple weeks ago."

NU will continue trying to improve their defensive performance this weekend with matches at Indiana on Saturday and a home contest against IUPUI on Monday.

While Macdonald hopes to help Nebraska notch its first road win this season, Hayes is looking forward to another chance for the team to continue to get better.

"We still haven't reached our full potential," Hayes said. "I think we have so much more that we can bring."

brendancarl@

dailynebraskan.com