While many fall collegiate sports are just kicking off, the women’s soccer season is in full swing. As the season inches closer to its halfway point, the Seawolves have not gotten the results they have hoped for. The team currently sits in fifth in the America East Conference at 2-4, scoring just six goals this season.
Coming off a regular season conference championship in 2013, the Stony Brook women’s soccer team has failed to play at a similar level this year. Key contributors from last year’s roster have either graduated or struggled, leading to a disappointing start to the season.
Redshirt sophomore Raven Edwards has led the way offensively, standing as the team’s only multi-goal scorer. Her six shots on goal have made her a frightening sight for opposing defenses. Tessa Devereaux has also been a strong scoring presence with eight shots on goal in six games. Both players have been bright spots for an offense that otherwise has struggled with an average of just a single goal per game.
The goaltending has also been suspect thus far. Reigning America East Goalie of the Year Ashley Castanio has disappointed with 2.04 goals against average, almost doubling the 1.12 average she posted in 2013. Castanio will need to play like she did previously, as defense will be pivotal in the Seawolves’ ability to win down the stretch.
While Stony Brook won both of their home games, they have struggled mightily on the road this year with an 0-4 record. The team has been shutout in consecutive road games against Wagner and UConn respectively and is being outscored 12-3 away from LaValle Stadium. Playing well at home does little for a team who struggles on the road, and this trend will need to be reversed for a comeback to be possible.
There is still plenty of time for the Seawolves to regain their 2013 form. There are still 11 games to be played, including five at home and eight against conference opponents. Such circumstances provide ample opportunity to reverse early season misfortunes.
The Seawolves will return to the field again next Sunday at Fairfield University to take on the Rams.
