April 7, 2006

The Dayton women's soccer team looks to continue their successful spring season with a pair of games at the Toledo Border Challenge this Saturday. The Flyers will take on the University of Michigan in the first game at 10:30 a.m. and then finish up with Oakland University at 1:30 p.m.

Despite losing eight players to graduation and suffering five key injuries, the UD women have had a very successful spring so far, posting a 6-2 record, while playing with only 12 active players.

"This has been an unusual spring with a big number of graduates and some untimely injuries limiting us to 12-13 able-bodied players," Head Coach Mike Tucker said. "In spite of the small numbers, we have been very pleased with how hard everyone has worked, how much improvement we have made both individually and as a team and with the quality of play. So, while challenging to all, the results have been very gratifying."

The talented young squad is led in goals this spring by sophomore forwards Natalia Walters, Jen Leslie, and Dara Elk.

The Flyers kicked off the spring season in the Ohio State Buckeye 7v7 indoor tournament on February 26th, advancing to the semifinals of the tournament, where they would lose to the host Buckeyes.

Next up for the Dayton women was the University of Saint Francis women's soccer festival where the Flyers took on Notre Dame. Both teams battled each other in what seemed to be heading for a scoreless tie before Notre Dame snuck out with a win on a goal in the 84th minute.

Last weekend the women hosted The Flyer Spring Club Tournament featuring Cleveland teams Internationals Soccer Club and The Westside Stars, and from Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Futbol Alliance. The Flyers took the tournament, winning all three matches they played.

With a strong recruiting class and the return of some experience youngsters, the Flyer women field a tough squad for the upcoming fall season.

"Our incoming freshman class is certainly one of the most talented ever to enter here at UD," Tucker commented. "Considering the quality of play that we have witnessed from our returnees this spring, it looks like an extremely competitive fall. I am really excited to get all of our Flyers together in preparation for this upcoming season!"