July 28, 2008
With August right around the corner, you're probably thinking, "Great! Miami football season is almost here!" And it's a good thing you're excited about football season because Miami University's team has a mix of savvy veterans and up-and-coming players -- including last season's Mid-American Conference Freshman of the Year -- poised to lead the RedHawks as they challenge for a conference title.
But if you're thinking about first downs and fumbles, you're actually thinking about the wrong Miami football team. In this case, you should be really looking forward to the start of the "real" football season, which gets underway August 22 when the Miami University women' soccer team kicks of its 2008 season by hosting Morehead State.
To get you ready for the 2008 soccer season, the Miami media relations department answers three burning questions about the team.
Q: Who is the one player to watch for in 2008?
A: Explosive forward Sara Lund. Lund is Miami's top returning offensive player after a season in which had team-highs in goals (7), assists (5) and points (19) -- and that was all as a freshman. Lund was named the 2007 MAC Freshman of the Year and tabbed to the All-MAC First Team, and expect more of the same from her in 2008. Third-year goalkeeper Krista Pace (Miami's all-time saves leader) and sophomore Julie Thompson (five goals in her freshman season) also are players to keep a close eye on.
Q: Is Miami keeping in its tradition of playing a ridiculously tough non-conference schedule?
A: Yes. One of the hallmarks of Bobby Kramig's Miami teams is that they play one of the toughest non-conference slates of any Mid-American Conference team. This season is no different as Miami plays Michigan from the Big Ten (Aug. 31) and three BIG EAST teams in Cincinnati (Sept. 5), Depaul (Sept. 12), and Louisville (Sept. 14). The good news is that Miami's first five non-conference games are at home, including the season-opener against Morehead State. Also, the last time Miami faced Michigan in Oxford, it defeated the nationally-ranked Wolverines, 1-0, in 2005. Miami's non-conference schedule also features a trip to Northern California to face Sacramento State and San Jose State.
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Q: If there is one home game this season that is a "must-see," which one is it?
A: Although you could make a strong case that any of Miami's non-conference home games from Aug. 31 to Sept. 14 will produce fantastic soccer (during that stretch Miami plays, Michigan, Cincinnati, Depaul, and Louisville), you should not miss the Sunday, October 19 game against rival Ohio University. This rivalry has been a back-and-forth tussle (the all-time series is tied 7-7-0), but chances are you will see a Red and White victory that day, as Miami has won five of its last six home games against Ohio. This game also comes at a crucial point in the MAC season and could go a long way to deciding seeding in the MAC Tournament.
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