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2013 Preview: Women's Soccer
9/6/13


West Windsor, N.J. -- The women's soccer team went a long way last year, advancing to the Region 19 championship before losing on penalty kicks following double overtime. It's a different year and a squad with many new faces, but third-year Head Coach Michelle Ogborn-Haywood remains as focused as ever on success.

This high-energy coach, a 1992 MCCC soccer alumna, says teamwork is key. "We are working to bond early. That can make a big difference between a win and a loss, especially later in the season when every game counts a lot,” Ogborn-Haywood said. 

The Vikings will rely on strong returning players as well as some talented freshmen as it makes its bid for the regional title this year. One of the Vikings' key returning sophomores is forward Rachel Martinez (Ewing, NJ/Ewing), who led the team in goals scored last year.  Ogborn-Haywood describes Martinez as “Charlie Hustle,” who gives everything she has every time she steps onto the field.  Sophomore midfielder Taylor Wright (Yardville, NJ/Steinert) is also expected to be a major contributor on offense.

No. 10 Taylor Wright is pictured at a home game in 2012.
She is one of the Vikings' three captains this year.

 

 

On the defensive end is another stellar sophomore, goalkeeper Jackie Laurenti (Chesterfield, NJ/Northern Burlington), who had 87 saves last season and ranked among the top 25 goal keepers in NJCAA Division I soccer. And freshman Chelsea Schultz (Hamilton, NJ/Steinert) is already making her mark as an anchor on defense. 

Laurenti, Martinez and Taylor will serve as this year's captains. 
 
With the season still young, Ogborn-Haywood is confident that the Vikings will continue to gel and improve. "Our combination of veteran leadership and the talent of incoming freshen should make for a successful season," she predicts.

Ogborn-Haywood is assisted this season by Mike DeAngelis.

The Vikings' next home game is Tuesday, Sept. 10 versus Salem CC. View their full schedule here.

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