Three-time All-American Emily Oleksiuk and Regional All-Americans Megan Mills and Bonnie Young are gone, but the Penn State women's soccer team still remains very confident.
The Nittany Lions still boast that confidence because they return Hermann Trophy winner and three-time All-American Christie Welsh and All-American Joanna Lohman. Penn State women's soccer coach Paula Wilkins realizes that with the one-two punch of Welsh and Lohman, great successes can be achieved if the two are on the same page.
"Christie and Jo are like Shaq and Kobe," Wilkins said. "They are two of the most talented players in the country, and I'm glad that they are on my team. They are extremely dangerous when they are working together."
Lohman joined Welsh on the Under-21 U.S. National Team, where the duo helped capture the team's fourth consecutive Nordic Cup title. Lohman scored a goal and an assist en route to capturing the most valuable player award of the tournament.
Wilkins has seen much improvement in Lohman's game since she returned from the national team.
"Jo has great confidence now," she said. "She knows she can play at that level, and her attitude reflects it."
Wilkins said Welsh and Lohman are both great talents but have two totally different styles and are great in their own ways.
Even with the experience of Welsh and Lohman, the Lions will still rely on youth. Wilkins knows that it will be very difficult for anyone to replace Oleksiuk, who holds virtually every Penn State women's soccer goaltending record. The pre-season frontrunner is freshman Amanda Brown.
Sophomore Jaime Stich has performed well in the preseason, and is battling with Brown for the staring spot. Freshman Natalie Jacobs is expected to earn a great deal of playing time in the defensive backfield. Wilkins said a big part of her game is speed.
Two other freshmen are expected to make an impact in the lineup. Tiffany Weimer and Carmelina Moscato will play forward and midfield, respectively. Weimer was a two-time NSCAA All-American in high school. Moscato is currently traveling with the Canadian National team, and will join the Lions when the tournament concludes. Moscato's status for the home opener against Pittsburgh on Saturday is unknown.
Penn State is confident to achieve success, but right now Welsh's focus is making sure everyone is settled with their new roles. She still has many goals that she wants to achieve in her final season.
"We want to compete for the Big Ten title," she said. "Qualify for the NCAA tournament, reach the final four and eventually become National Champions."
