Penn State Women's Soccer Ranked 6th

Entering the season, Penn State Women’s Soccer is ranked number 6 in the pre-season polls and believe me, this is an underestimation. After a disappointing loss in the NCAA quarterfinals to Florida State, the lady Nittany Lions are looking to make a huge comeback and win their second national title in 5 years. Although the team has lost a few graduates, including Marisa Sheva and Maddie Nolf, who was drafted to the NWSL’s Utah Royals, this year’s recruiting class is top notch and only set to get stronger as the years go on. Add in Boston College transfer Sam Cofey at midfield and we have ourselves a young and hungry group that is ready to put themselves on the map. Taking on the leadership role as a veteran will be Senior Captain Kaleigh Riehl who is looking to get another championship ring on her finger before she graduates. The MAC Hermann Trophy candidate and first-team All-American is someone who will be looked up to by this younger group to give them the guidance and experience needed to help them develop as players and as leaders themselves in order to win national titles, because as 3x National Champion wrestler Bo Nickal says “That’s what we do.” Another Veteran leader will be first-team All-Region and first-team All-Big Ten Junior Frankie Tagliaferri who scored 7 goals and 5 assists in 2018. The versatile player will be key in generating offense for a team that already has a lockdown defense. The brilliant World Cup victory for Penn State alums Alyssa Naeher and Ali Krieger representing team USA is sure to be fuel to the fire for this 2019 Lady Lions team as well. Being able to see people who were in the same position as you having success at the international level is extremely motivating and can show these girls the things they have to do to get to where they want to be and ultimately that’s on the US Women’s National Team winning world championships in dominant fashion. The season opener comes against Stanford on August 23rd on move-in day for Penn State Freshman and I cannot wait. This is a huge matchup with high ranking and seeding implications, as Stanford is ranked number 3. You had best believe the Park Avenue Army will be rocking at Jeffrey Field. What a way to welcome the new students to Happy Valley. This will definitely be fun to see how the season unfolds for this team and I wish them the best of luck. #WEARE