The University of Akron Athletics
Women's Soccer 2011 Season Preview Part Two: Midfielders
August 12 | Women's Soccer
Note: This is the second of a four-part GoZips.com preview of the 2011 University of Akron women's soccer team. Be on the lookout for parts two and three in the coming week as the Zips prepare for their season-opener at Michigan on Aug. 19.
AKRON, Ohio – A fifth-year senior and a 2010 Mid-American Conference All-Freshman Team performer highlight the pool of players controlling the midfield for the 2011 University of Akron women's soccer team.
Fifth-year senior Jordan Clark will lead not only the midfield, but the entire side in 2011. Clark – who missed the majority of her sophomore season with a knee injury – has a chance to become the UA career games played leader in 2011. The Brecksville, Ohio native has scored six goals and added three assists in her UA career, playing most of her time in a holding midfield role. Clark also gained valuable experience this summer as a member of the Dayton Dutch Lions of the USL W-League.
Jordan Clark talks about her senior season in the latest issue of Zips Illustrated.
Columbus native Kelly DeNiro returns in 2011 and looks to build on a immensely successful freshman season where she scored once and dished out five assists. DeNiro's five assists tied the UA record for the helpers in a season and helped her receive a nod on the MAC All-Freshman team. DeNiro also received some regional praise when she was called into the U19 Regional Olympic Development Camp this summer. DeNiro also saw action this summer with Ohio Premier Women's SC of the Women's Premier Soccer League.
Sophomore Maggie Rusnak is also set to be a staple in Chris Pfau's midfield this season after making 17 starts last season, with many of the starts coming as a part of Akron's defensive unit. Rusnak did contribute on assist in 2010 and is expected to provide more offense from her new position in 2011.
The Zips will play their final preseason tune-up on Saturday, traveling to Pittsburgh to take on Duquesne at 1:00 p.m.
