Youth, optimism abound for women’s soccer heading into season opener

Senior midfielders Madlen Weinhardt (left) and Scarlet Montoya (right) provide experience and leadership on a team that includes 10 freshmen.

By Joel Delgado ’12 MS ’17 

The big question surrounding FIU women’s soccer as they gear up for the 2015 season is how they will replace the offensive production left behind by the trio of Chelsea Leiva, Johanna Volz and Ashleigh Shim.

Head Coach Thomas Chestnutt expects some of his returning players, along with a large freshman class, to answer that question in one way or another during the preseason.

“When they left, there was a void and it’ll be filled by either one person, multiple people,” Chestnutt said. “It’s a transition with a lot of new players coming in and a lot of players coming back that will be playing new roles on the team.”

Senior midfielders Scarlet Montoya and Madlen Weinhardt will provide leadership and a sense of continuity on a team loaded with youth –15 of the 25 players on the roster are either freshmen or sophomores. Both were integral to the offense last season, combining for 11 assists and three goals in 2014.

The first test is the season opener against Dayton, Chestnutt’s alma mater, on Aug. 21 at FIU Soccer Stadium; the opening whistle is set for 7 p.m.

For the players, it can’t arrive soon enough. “We’re anxious and excited to get started,” Montoya said. “For us it’s our last first game of the season and I get goosebumps just thinking about it. We go through this tough process during the preseason but once we get on the field that first game you forget all about that.”

There are a number of position battles that may extend into the first few weeks of the season, the most notable one is goalkeeper. Sophomore Nevena Stojakovic comes in with a slight edge after winning the job last season, but freshman Lauren Michael and San Diego State transfer Sophia Trujillo are also making their case for the starting job.

“They’re making decisions difficult for us as a coaching staff and that’s a good thing,” Chestnutt said. “We’re still finding out who will fit what role and who will be the first person off the bench. We haven’t been battle-tested. Things will be become more solid as we get a few weeks into the season and we see who is stepping up in games.”

The players have embraced the internal competition.

“It is incredibly healthy for us,” Weinhardt said of the various competitions taking place for a starting spot. “It makes you work harder and go beyond what you usually do.”

Chestnutt also feels the team added stability to the backfield with the addition of freshmen Jacqueline Manteas, a defender, and Steffi Reischmann, a midfielder from Germany.

“I think all of our lines on the field – from forward to goalkeeper – have been reinforced and strengthened this year,” Chestnutt said.

Admission for all FIU women’s soccer games is free for FIU students with a valid I.D. and general admission tickets are $5. For more information about FIU women’s soccer, go to FIUSports.com.