For Immediate Release: August 18, 2006
Contact: John Hartrick (hartrick@binghamton.edu)
Phone: 607-777-6800

Quotes from 2006 Binghamton women's soccer media day

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Fox 40 Video

Head coach Jeff Leightman and the Binghamton women's soccer team met with the local media prior to the team's Friday afternoon training session. Below are some of the transcribed quotes.

Head Coach Jeff Leightman

On his goals for the season

"Every year we strive to bring our program one step further than where we reached the prior season. Obviously last season, we were unable to replicate the success we had two years ago, but we have a new group this year that we are very excited about and we fully expect to challenge for another America East crown."

On this year's challenging non-conference slate

"We're heading into the 2006 campaign with one of our most challenging non-conference schedules to date. Each and every year we try and schedule tough competition that will prepare us for conference play. We look at it as an opportunity to play some great teams, go on the road in some tough environments and most importantly, to improve and grow as a unit."

On the America East in 2006

"I expect there to be a great deal of parity in the conference this year. There are a number of talented teams capable of winning it all and I expect we will see very exciting America East season. Each game is going to be a battle and in order to succeed we will we have to come to play every contest. "

On this year's improved offensive unit

"With the personnel we have, we feel we can present a number of new looks up front. At times last season, we struggled finishing the ball, however, with this year's unit, we expect to be able to inject some more creativity into our attack and work on instilling more of a scoring mentality.”

On losing two of his three top backs to graduation

"Anytime you lose two players like Vicky (Vernicek) and Meghan (Taylor), there's going to be an adjustment. That being said, we are very excited about the personnel we have in the back this season and are looking forward to getting our new girls out on the field and seeing what they can do. It will take time, but we can become a cohesive unit and hopefully build a trust back there that we won’t be beat very often."

Senior midfielder Kelly Burnham

"We are really excited to get started. We have a tough schedule early on, but it will definitely pay off when we start our conference schedule."

Senior goalkeeper Kristie Bowers

"There are high expectations all over the field. Everyone came into practice fit and ready to go. The newcomers have brought with them a lot of energy. I am very excited about the squad that we have out in front of me this season and am very anxious to get the season underway."

Junior forward Kim Povill

"After winning the title two years ago, we have really adopted a different mentality. We are a much more confident team. Now, we expect to win every time we step on the field and this year is no different. If we play our game, we know we are capable of winning the America East and getting back into the NCAA Tournament."