Geneseo’s women’s soccer team has played phenomenally so far this season. With a record of 4-1-1, the women have obviously been successful—but their record alone does not tell the full story. Throughout six games, the Knights have hit the back of the net a total of 12 times while giving up a mere three goals—all of which were surrendered in one game.
After coming off a rough patch during their away games on Sept. 10 and 12—in which the Knights went 0-1-1—the team was resurgent. They’ve won their two most recent games and should be able to keep it up—especially if they maintain their current level of play.
“I think most teams go through some adversity in their season and it is their ability to respond to that that helps separate a good season from a great season,” head coach Nate Wiley said. “The team’s response last week began with how they came out on Monday in training and were able to carry that through the entire week.”
Even with the recent success, this year’s team is not complacent; they are always looking for ways to develop and better their performances.
“As cliché as it may sound, I truly feel that there is always room for improvement,” senior midfielder Marissa Benson said. “Coming off an incredible season last year is definitely a huge plus for us as we enter this season and it only drives us to reach for bigger and better goals.”
The theme throughout the season has been to play strong defense while the offense makes the most of the opportunities it is given. The strong play of freshman goalkeeper Emily Janiszewski has stood out as well as junior midfielder Emily Green and the offensive spark she has provided. As a freshman, Janiszewski has shown that she can play at the collegiate level—she has four shutouts in six games.
“[Janiszewski] is extremely skilled and consistently performs well,” Green said. “She has saved our field players more than once with incredible saves when we make mistakes.”
On the offensive side of the field, Green has been carrying the load. Over the past two games, she has recorded three goals and an assist. During her freshman season, Green tallied 16 points—she is already on pace to more than triple that number. She has recorded nine points throughout six games. Green credits her performances to the rest of her team, however.
“Our offense clicked and we were able to play our game rather than chase the other team,” Green said. “We moved the ball well and our forwards' runs opened up space for me and the other attacking midfielders to go at goal. Our success came from working hard to win the ball and taking care of our opportunities.”
The Knights will face SUNY Fredonia and Buffalo State on Friday Sept. 25 and Saturday Sept. 26 respectively.