The Yellow Armband: Archive
8/26/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Each Wednesday of the 2009 season, one of the Michigan women's soccer captains -- Jackie Carron, Alex Jendrusch, Amy Klippert and Kylie Neschke -- will give you a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the U-M program.
The Yellow Armband with Kylie Neschke
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 -- Fun in the Sun
This past weekend our team traveled to southern California for a pair of games. While everyone was very focused and ready to play some great soccer, the team couldn't help but get excited for a fun weekend in the sun! Here is a look at some of the events that went down.
The flight from Detroit to LAX lasted over 4.5 hours due to an issue with the engine fuel gage that delayed take-off by an hour. I would rather have the issue before the flight than during so I guess it worked out. Once in California we traveled to our fields for a short practice to loosen up the stiff legs. Dinner was at BJ's, concluding with the most amazing cookie cakes EVER!!!
Gameday began with a breakfast buffet at the hotel, some time to digest, and finally our game at Cal State Fullerton. The game didn't end with a 'W' as we had hoped, but it was definitely entertaining nonetheless. Amanda Bowery got caught in a near first fight. Here is the instant replay: both girls holding each other off for the ball, the Fullerton girl gets a little too agitated and takes a swing and miss at Bowery -- because clearly she never learned how to throw a true punch and of course Bowery is just too quick. Bowery puts her arms out to block the crazy girl from taking swing number two. At this point the Michigan bench is on the line yelling and ready to run in for a brawl -- including our trainer Tina Scully. We never take the next step in actually crossing this line because ... honestly, we are all slightly intimidated by Coach Greg Ryan and his probable disapproval. The referee runs over to Bowery and the other feisty girl and decides to award a red card to both players. Clearly, the referee has issues distinguishing the difference between throwing a punch and self-defense. Another exciting moment occurred after a player on the other team committed a dirty foul against Michigan, the stadium went silent and out of nowhere one of our teammate's aunt yelled for everyone to hear, "Number 16! You're a B!" (I have to keep it clean, there could be small children reading this blog). We definitely appreciate the enthusiasm of our fans!
After the game we enjoyed dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. The team went in two groups because of our early reservation. This meant the first group did not have enough time to shower before the meal. This didn't faze us, our group is obsessed with food and pulled off a strategic plan by placing our orders before the second shift even arrived. In the end, everyone was able to enjoy plenty of cheesecake. Back at the hotel, some teammates and I enjoyed relaxing outside in the hot tub. What began as a light and fun gossip session somehow led to an in-depth political analysis and discussion of controversial issues in society and current events -- aka The Michigan Difference.
Day three was BEACH DAY! We travelled to Amy Klippert's hometown, Newport Beach. Klippert's mother set up an amazing table of snacks and provided our team with plenty of beach chairs and towels. Haley Kopmeyer and I ran into the ocean first. Yes, we were both wicked excited to finally swim in the ocean, however, I had a slightly ulterior motive in avoiding the opportunity for my trainer to keep me from swimming due to my injured knee. Haley made an excellent partner in crime and it was a great success! Lindsey Thut and Jill Feree attempted to master the boogie boards by catching the big waves, almost causing a major crash as Jill crested a wave directly over Meghan Hennessey. Freshman Holly Hein ended her swim with an extra 10 lbs of sand caught in her very baggy swimsuit. Even Courtney Mercier was able to catch some rays as she showed off her newly bronzed body. The day at the beach ended with a nice dinner located at the end of the pier.
Back to soccer on Sunday. The team played really well together and it was definitely an exciting game to watch! The trip concludes with flight back to Detroit where we finish off the luggage bets. This is a tradition where everyone on the team hopes to be the first bag off the baggage claim. Holly Hein was the lucky winner in LAX and Kim Siebert won big back in Detroit.
We are all excited for our game taking place here in Ann Arbor against Miami (Fla.) this Sunday! I hope you enjoyed a small preview of what it is like on team trips with this crazy group of girls. HAIL!
The Yellow Armband with Jackie Carron
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 -- The Importance of a Healthy Breakfast
It was great to be a Michigan Wolverine this weekend! After a rough road trip to Milwaukee last weekend, the team was ready to redeem itself against two in-state rivals. On Thursday evening we beat Central Michigan, giving us our first win on the new game field. It felt great to sing the fight song after a hard fought battle!
Our pre-game meal before playing Eastern Michigan was at a local breakfast hot-spot called Café Marie's. Due to the restaurant's popularity and the fact that it was a Sunday morning, the team received its food a bit later than expected. Most of us were forced to scarf down our breakfast in a hurry in order to make it back to the team room in time for our pre-game meeting with the coaches. We all made it in time, but a handful of us were left with upset stomachs. A few of us were still feeling sick before kickoff, so (Athletic Trainer) Tina remedied us with some Pepto Bismol tablets. The medicine must have worked because no one showed any sign of weakness on the field.
Alex Jendrusch's last second goal against Eastern pushed the team total to eight goals for the weekend. Scoring that many goals was exciting! I think it will give us more confidence in our attack and will give us some momentum going into next weekend.
After our hard fought game on Sunday, we were able to relax a bit with a barbeque set up by our parents. The food was set up under a very school-spirited maize and blue tent next to our game field. There was a wide variety of dishes to choose from including fruit salad, pasta salad, grilled chicken, and many deserts. My personal favorite was Mrs. Bowery's oatmeal chocolate chip cookies -- I made sure I got one on my trip around the table because they're always one of the first items to go. It was great to see everyone's families. Both Amy Klippert's and Kelsey Rogind's parents made the trip from California, and former team manager Brian Davis was in town from Pittsburgh. After eating and chatting, we ended the festivities with a group picture --good thing that camera had a panoramic lens!
We're all looking forward to our upcoming trip to California. Not only will there be great weather, but great competition as well. HAIL!
The Yellow Armband with Alex Jendrusch
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 -- Wheels on the Bus
Hello Michigan soccer fans! In my first blog, I'd like to give you some insight into a typical game weekend away from Ann Arbor. Although every trip is its own unique experience, I think you'll be able to paint a decent picture in your mind from this play-by-play of the Michigan women's soccer trip to Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
There are a few unwritten rules by which our team abides while on the road. Upper classmen get their first choice of seating preference, usually toward the back; freshmen have no choice and usually get stuck towards the front by the coaches. There are 20 players on the travel roster, which means that there is enough room for each player and coach to get his or her own set of two bright blue seats -- that is, everyone except the freshmen. They are required to double up and get cozy. For a glowing example, see the picture to the right of Lindsey Thut and Alyssa Engstrom.
When trips are far enough away, like when we go to California in two weeks, we will fly. But 335 miles and 6 hours is close enough for the NCAA to qualify traveling by bus, so that's what we'll do. Starting from Thursday afternoon through our return, I have compiled the most notable details of our three and a half day trip culminating in our return to Ann Arbor on Sunday night.
The Yellow Armband with Amy Klippert
WEDNESDAY,AUGUST26-- Week 1
The first few weeks of preseason may have been rough, but nothing was as difficult as our first two games of the season. Our home-opener against Arkansas was exciting except for the minor detail that did not claim the 'W' in the end. Our beautiful, shiny, silver bleachers were packed with adoring Michigan fans and poor, unfortunate Arkansas followers. We looked good and sharp with our newly pressed white jerseys and polished adidas cleats. Although we did not bear any makeup, our faces looked as though they had been carved by angels because our natural beauty glowed. The game was exciting, like always. Of course, we dominated the game with keeping most of the possession with the ball. Our midfield was flawless that night, and our defense strong. However, as we out-shot Arkansas five to three, we were unable to shake their net. The game resulting in 2-0 Arkansas win was a devastating blow to us.
However, the Arkansas game did not blow our confidence entirely. We blew off some steam on our way to Valparaiso. It was supposed to be a three hour bus ride, but our driver decided we need more bonding time, so he drove 50 mph the whole time to give us two more hours of bus-fun. On the bus we proceeded to guide our freshman through the annual rite of passage of singing a 30 second solo of a song of their chance -- dance moves are recommended -- a tradition on the first away trip every season. It is so much fun for everyone except the freshmen. Although our fresh-meat is loved dearly, it is not a hard thing to say that their singing abilities were quite scary and nauseating. Instead of wowing the crowd, the freshmen resembled more of a Clay Aiken rather than a Kelly Clarkson.
The following day was our game against Valparaiso. As we arrived at the field to warm-up for our crusader bashing, we knew it was going to be a tough game because their field had grass up to our knees. About five minutes after the first whistle of the game, Valparaiso scored on us. It has to be said that it was not a pretty goal, unlike ours that came twenty minutes later. We earned a free kick that Amanda Bowery was able to strategically deflect off one of the Crusaders. It was quite enchanting. Later in the last two minutes of the second half, Kristen Goncalves used her fancy footwork to make the Crusaders look foolish as she schooled them and scored a miraculous goal with under two minutes left. All of the Michigan players on the field cried tears of joy that they did not have to go on to play overtime! It was a glorious win.
Congratulations to the Michigan womens soccer team for your first victory of the season! A special thank you to Clare Stachel, who, even though she was not there, the team played their hearts out for her! HAIL!
The Yellow Armband with The Four Captains
WEDNESDAY,AUGUST 19-- Preseason Recap
It has been a very long and hard two and a half weeks of soccer leading up to our opening match this Friday versus Arkansas. Our team has battled through multiple three-a-days and Augusts very sunny weather. Overall, our team is looking very strong and has developed some amazing team chemistry. Here are some highlights from the past few weeks:
Team BBQ
Sarah Stanczyks dad mastered the massive new team grill and made some amazing food.
This was our first chance to meet the new freshmen and we had them sing The Victors, which apparently no one knew. With three California girls and a girl from Nova Scotia, we kind of expected it to be lame for a first try.
Fitness
It is always tough, but as a whole, the team performed really well after a long summer of conditioning.
Only one head went into a trashcan part way through the beep test -- so overall it was a successful session.
Soccer practices, first scrimmages, and getting a feel for the team
Freshman Lindsey Thut hopped a fence and landed in the marsh butt first.
Freshman Alyssa Engtrom took a clearing header with her face.
We spent a lot of time going over set plays and attacking patterns.
Assistant coach Lene Terp taught us some Danish words that we cannot print here.
August 9th and 10th were the hottest days of the summer
The extreme heat all day meant we sweat a lot.
Of course it was the hardest three-a-day of preseason yet.
It was a tough couple of days for our skin. Kylie Neschke broke out with hives across her neck. The next day, Kristen Keane broke out with entire rash across her body and Courtney Mercier developed skin poisoning on her arms.
Finally, a recovery day
We got a conditioning/lifting introduction with new strength coach Mike Favre and the team quickly learned that intro did not equal a relaxing walkthrough.
We did swim relays -- which is not a recovery exercise -- but, sadly, no high diving on day one.
However, on day two of pool workout was much more thrilling and terrifying as we got our wish and were jumping off the high platforms.
Alex Jendrusch unsuccessfully attempted to touch the bottom of a 17-foot pool -- it resulted in popped ears.
There is always more soccer
The team learned more of our defensive and attacking formations.
Kylie Neschke nearly missed kicking a duck sitting in the 18-yard box during a scrimmage.
By now, ice baths are a daily routine. At the team training room, ice baths are always equipped with toesies and magazines. For ice baths at the field, we use a wicked-sweet kiddie pool which was so cold that everyone thought they were going to get frostbite -- Kylie Neschke and Amy Klippert only lasted two minutes, not wanting to take any chances.
Goalkeeper Kristen Keane completely knocked out assistant coach Lene Terp with a two hand punch to her face while trying to clear a cross -- Lene may need a head scan.
Amy Klippert attempted to wrap ice on Kristin Darbys shoulder, only she decided it was best to place the saran wrap around her neck, nearly choking the poor freshman. Best to leave that to professionals.
Overall this preseason has been a very challenging and exciting experience for the team. Keep coming back and checking out The Yellow Armband and you will be sure to hear more of our teams stories throughout this season. HAIL!
