Spring Break
Reload
After losing eight starters a year ago, Guerrieri has recruited a highly ranked class to fill the void
By: Travis Yoesting
Issue date: 6/23/08 Section: News
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Head Coach G Guerrieri has brought in a large recruiting class to help the returning players fill those gaps and keep the Aggies in position to defend their Big 12 championship.
"This is one of the biggest and deepest signing classes that we've ever brought to Texas A&M soccer," Guerrieri said on signing day.
Guerrieri brought in 12 recruits, 11 out of high school. Many members of the signing class have national team or regional Olympic Development Program experience.
"Any of them would be the one shining star in just about any recruiting class in our conference and across the nation," Guerrieri said.
The transfer, forward Alyssa Mautz, came from Saint Louis University where she was Atlantic-10 All-Freshman team and finished second on her team in goals.
"The timing of Alyssa's decision to come to Texas A&M couldn't have been any better for Aggie soccer fans," Guerrieri said.
Of A&M's 69 goals a year ago, 47 were scored by seniors (68 percent). Mautz is one of many incoming recruits who will be called on to help the Aggies immediately. So far, she has done that.
In the first full-sided exhibition game of the spring, Mautz scored two goals to lead the Aggies to a 4-1 victory over the Mexican under 20 national team. She later tallied an assist against Oklahoma State.
The win over Mexico kicked off an undefeated spring for A&M, including wins over Louisiana State (1-0), Big 10 champion Purdue (2-1) and a tie against Big 12-rival OSU (2-2).
Sophomore-to-be Rachel Shipley is one of few returning starters for the Aggies. She spent time with the United States under 20 national team in Chile before helping the Aggies to a 3-0-1 record in the spring. Shipley scored the first goal in the tie against OSU.
The success in the spring exhibitions - despite playing without the graduating seniors or the incoming freshman - showed that the Aggie soccer team is reloading, not rebuilding.
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