As Marist women’s soccer begins MAAC play tonight in a home match against Saint Peter’s, we gathered some of our writers to examine the team’s start to the 2024 season.
The team has gotten off to a bit of a slow start, how can they go get their first win?
Michael Burns, Women’s Soccer Beat Writer: The Red Foxes have to find ways to generate offense. Sure, the goal total is low so far, but they have to give themselves a chance to score before they score. The best offensive showing for Marist this season was in their most recent matchup against Navy, where they put up 15 total shots.
However, just two of those shots were on goal. When Marist finds opportunities, they have to capitalize and make the opposing goalie/defense work by putting shots on target.
Jaylen Rizzo, Social Media Director: The team’s offense needs to communicate better once they gain possession of the ball. During the first two home games, they were unable to score and the offense looked a bit unorganized. Each player has their strengths but lacks synchronization. Once the Red Foxes can run through offensive plays without interruption, more opportunities to score will open up.
Max Rosen, Assistant Editor: The key for Marist women’s soccer is pretty simple: find the back of the net. The inability to score has become a trend across multiple seasons for the Red Foxes. Across the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 seasons, they scored just 29 goals in 32 games.
Last season, their offense slowed even further, scoring only 5 times across the entire 16-game season. It behooves the Red Foxes to change the narrative surrounding their attack by creating and finishing more chances. Thus far this season, they have failed to make significant changes, scoring only twice through their first five games. As a result, they continue to search for their first win as MAAC play begins.
Will Rosen, Contributor: It’s been a struggle for the Foxes to get the goals in the net, but the team genuinely looks strong. The Red Foxes must continue the fast-paced offense they showcased in their game against Navy where they looked the best they have all season. They started the game with early offense, which they need to continue, to have a hold on the game and mount pressure on the opposing defense.
Stefan Duncan, Contributor: The answer for the Marist women’s soccer team is evident: offense is key. The team struggled to demonstrate their offensive dynamics early on through their first five games.
In the women’s most recent match-up against Navy, they showed the best we’ve seen so far. A big thing the women need to focus on moving forward is how they utilize possession and the urgency needed to put some numbers on the board.
What do you see as the biggest strength of this team?
Mike: The grit of this team is the team’s best weapon. The overall energy and persistence have not wavered for a second, with an emphasis on culture from coach Nicole Pacapelli clearly being shown throughout the squad. There’s some on-field work that needs to be improved, but if the Red Foxes can improve in those departments, then look out. This team plays together and is inspired, a deadly combo when things start to click.
Jaylen: Compared to the 2023 season, the team has better chemistry and drive. In the previous seasons, Marist rarely took hold of games, leading to their 2-9-5 finish. The Foxes have played better together so far, with many players having standout performances. Their passion for playing shines on the field, no matter the score, which will help keep them motivated as they move into MAAC play.
Max: It is hard to pinpoint a specific on-field strength for this Marist women’s soccer team, but one collective strength is obvious: morale. The team is very close-knit and exudes confidence despite their on-field struggles. When she took over the program before last season, Pacapelli put a clear emphasis on building a close team, something that has carried over to this year.
Freshman goalkeeper Samantha Graf summed up the team’s confidence best after her first career start against St. Thomas, “This is the great beginning to a good comeback story right now. I think we’re gonna win the whole thing.”
Will: Freshman midfielder Gabby Tirado has given this team a fresh set of legs; she almost plays the entire game, and starts all of the games so far this season (in non-conference play). Tirado has played 70+ minutes in each game and in the match against Navy put up 6 shots. She is active on the offensive side and is always alert on the ball. Tirado can take the place of both Calderelli sisters by being active — which Marist needs!
Stefan: The biggest strength for this year’s team is clear. The team does not give up. It is a hard-fought battle from start to finish. There has been an obvious boost in the team’s overall morale and energy since the beginning of this season. It is clear that the team is close and all have good chemistry.
Due to the amount of talent on the roster this year there have been clear showings of their capability to come together and win games and I think we will see a pick up on that very soon with their match-up against Sacred Heart on Sept. 14th.
The Marist team is made up of over 16 new players (freshmen/transfers), which new players are you looking to see have the biggest impact this year?
Mike: So far, one player has stood out above all on offense: graduate student midfield/forward Maille McDermott. In a season where the offense has been shut down thus far, McDermott has given Marist their only two goals, one being against her former squad in Seton Hall.
Although she was listed as a defender, McDermott showed the ability to get shots on the net in her time at Seton Hall, and she’s continued to provide those opportunities for the Red Foxes through 5 games this season while moving upfield.
Jaylen: Graduate student defender/midfielder Keegan Mayer’s performance has made a positive impact on this team. A grad transfer from New Hampshire, Mayer’s activity challenges each opponent’s midfield. She’s the first choice with throw-ins and corner kicks, which lead to offensive chances from the Foxes. Her continued performance will be key for Marist moving forward.
Max: Gabby Tirado. She is an impact player on the offensive side, something this team has desperately lacked in recent years. Tirado made her presence known in her collegiate debut, assisting Maille McDermott with the team’s first goal in their season opener.
Tirado was a prolific scorer in high school, scoring 61 times and collecting 10 hat tricks throughout her career. While she has not been able to find the back of the net yet this season, look out for her to start racking up goals for the Red Foxes as she settles in.
Will: Besides Tirado, I think freshman goalie Samantha Graf is a pivotal player for Marist this season. With the goalie position always pivotal and controversial, Graf came into her inaugural game with prowess and performed well by allowing one super-goal, but stopping numerous other shots and crosses.
While I expect Maddy Catalanotti to be GK1, I think Graf will be GK1.5, as she can come in during an injury or an off day, and the defense will not miss a beat.
Stefan: Maille McDermott is the perfect tone-setter for the team. McDermott, a transfer from Seton Hall, has a veteran style entering her fifth year of play. McDermott has played 85+ minutes every game so far this season. Throughout the first six games, McDermott has contributed in every way possible. McDermott has set the standard on the offensive side of the ball with a newfound set of leadership.
McDermott keeps the energy high throughout the match from start to end which is a missing piece the Red Foxes have needed. In the team’s most recent game against the Navy, McDermott was the solo scorer for the Red Foxes for her second goal of the season.
What player(s) have you enjoyed watching so far this season/who are you looking forward to watching the rest of the way?
Mike: Keegan Mayer. Mayer has not only established herself as a force on the defensive side of the ball but has also found ways to contribute on offense. She’s shown an ability to create opportunities up to this point, including a beautifully sent-in corner kick against Navy which resulted in the second goal of the season for the Red Foxes.
Given her frequent role on corner kicks thus far, along with the ability to control the opposing team on defense, Mayer has made a statement early on and Marist will look to her to be a vital piece moving forward.
Jaylen: Samantha Graf. In her first Marist start against St. Thomas, she allowed one goal on 16 shots taken. The freshman has a stable presence in the net. Even though she was only in for half of the game against Navy allowing two goals, she continues to play with passion and drive. Graf has a good future to come if she continues with this momentum.
Max: Maille McDermott. McDermott has statistically been the most impactful offensive player for the Red Foxes, scoring their only two goals so far this season. The graduate student transfer from Seton Hall has played a full 90 minutes three times already and played 86 minutes in Marist’s other two contests. She will likely continue to see lots of playing time, and with a little help from other attackers, has the chance to lead the Red Fox attack heading into conference play.
Stefan: Freshman defender Jane Brooks. Playing 90 minutes in every game this season is no easy feat. Brooks has clearly shown she is ready for the collegiate stage in every way this season. Brooks has been great for the Red Foxes on the defensive side of the ball in just her freshman year.
Brooks gives light to the defense which is much needed as they have struggled to hold up on that end of the ball this season. She will continue to see an immense amount of play time throughout this season. Brooks has shown many flashes of an elite level of potential throughout this season so far. She will not be stopping any time soon.
Predict the team’s overall and conference records.
Mike: 4-6-2 MAAC, 4-10-3 overall
Jaylen: 3-7-2 MAAC, 3-11-3 overall
Max: 3-6-3 MAAC, 3-10-4 overall
Will: 4-8 MAAC 4-12-1 overall
Stefan: 4-7-1 MAAC, 4-11-2 overall
Edited by Marley Pope and Luke Sassa
Graphic by Quinn DiFiore
Photos from Jaylen Rizzo and Ricky Torres
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