John YoungA year ago, Kansas University’s soccer team struggled to score goals. Looking back on it, coach Mark Francis called KU’s offense a “big nemesis.”
The No. 16 Jayhawks have not experienced such issues in 2014, and their defense has proven just as trustworthy, creating a perfect storm of a turnaround.
KU (11-1 overall, 2-0 Big 12) has outscored opponents 26-5 thus far, with senior goalkeeper Kaitlyn Stroud spearheading seven shutout victories.
Kansas went 7-11-2 in 2013 and only scored 19 times in 20 games, while surrendering 25 scores. Obviously, this year the Jayhawks are on pace to blow those numbers away.
“I think the biggest difference on the field is every single person on this team contributes in some way,” Stroud said. “I think last year we kind of cornered ourselves by relying on one or two people only to make a difference. Not only was it too much pressure on them, it’s also just unrealistic. We pass the ball well, and we move around well. And I think because so many of us are scoring right now, it makes it a lot harder to scout.”
John YoungWhile junior Liana Salazar already has delivered eight goals, entering today’s Big 12 home opener at Rock Chalk Park against Oklahoma State (6-6, 1-0), the dynamic midfielder is one of 10 Jayhawks to score this season. Junior forward Ashley Williams has four goals, senior forward Ali Kimura and freshman forward Lois Heuchan have scored three apiece, senior midfielder Jamie Fletcher has two and freshmen Eli Mayr, Kayla Morrison and Hannah Lukinac, sophomore Morgan Williams and junior Courtney Dickerson have one goal each.
“There’s less pressure on Liana to do some things,” Stroud said, “and we move the ball pretty well.”
Kimura, who leads KU with six assists, said the Jayhawks feel as though they have something to prove this season.
“So many people this year have been scoring and assisting,” Kimura said.
And defending. Stroud has 50 saves and counting, with a .926 save percentage.
“She doesn’t let anything past her,” Kimura said. “We trust her back there.”
The goalkeeper, likewise, has faith in the team’s defenders, such as senior Caroline Van Slambrouck, sophomore Kaley Smith, Morrison and Morgan Williams.
“We start defending as soon as we lose the ball,” the goalie said. “We’re just a pain in the butt to go up against, because as soon as we lose (possession), we are just all over them.”
Early this season, Francis said he didn’t think the Jayhawks would pick things up so quickly. But they take an approach that has facilitated their hot start.
“They ask questions,” Francis said. “They’re a very coachable group.”
