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Tuesday, Feb. 18
The Indiana Daily Student

sports women's soccer

Women's soccer to take on Xavier

The IU women’s soccer team has moved past Sunday’s 5-0 loss and is focused on winning again.

A game against Xavier on Friday is the next test for the Hoosier women, and after a week of rest, recovery and shorter training sessions, they said they are set for their next opponent.

“First thing is we are going to be looking to get back on the right track after losing the last time out to Pepperdine,” IU Coach Mick Lyon said. “Despite the score, we are not in disaster mode. They opened up a couple things against us that we have been working to correct in training this week, and we have done that.”

Xavier has so far split its games this season with a 3-3 record. The opponent’s defensive formation and remarkable drive might prove to be a concern for the Hoosiers, as well as playing on a turf field, Lyon said.

Regardless, the players said they take each game as it comes and simply need to be prepared for what each opponent presents.

“It is just the next game on the schedule,” junior midfielder Becca Zambon said. “Each team on the schedule plays a little differently, so we have to be ready to adapt but at the same time still play our game and play to our strengths.”

Starting the game with strength and ferocity is expected, she said, in order to achieve the results they’re hoping for.

“I think we know that we have to come out ready to play from the start, giving our maximum effort so we can hopefully get out in front early,” Zambon said.

Working on quick passes and ball movement throughout the week has solidified the team’s play, senior forward Orianica Velasquez said. Pressuring the defense and improving simplicity within the box were on the practice agenda as well.

“As a forward, I am always looking to take the shot if it is available,” she said. “But I know that we need to work more combinations on Friday because they have a good keeper and defense.”

And though she would love to score Friday, Velasquez said her main focus is helping the team.

“We just want to find a way to get a win,” she said. “If I am able to get a goal to help out the team that would be great, but as long as we find a way to win as a team, that will be the most exciting.”

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