Colorado University Athletics
Joss Orejel
Photo by: CUBuffs.com
Defenders Looking To Step Up For Buffs In 2016
August 18, 2016 | Soccer
BOULDER - Defensive improvement has been a popular topic for the University of Colorado's soccer team this offseason as the Buffaloes look to improve on 2015, where they finished 10th in the Pac-12 in goals allowed.
The turnaround begins with junior Joss Orejel and sophomore Alex Vidger. Orejel became a defensive leader last season, starting in 17 matches at left-outside back and recording one goal and four assists. Orejel has competed with Mexico's Under-20 Women's National Team in 2015 and 2016, and the Under-17 national team in 2012.
"Obviously Joss has established herself as a left back. She's good on the attack and she really focuses on the defending side of the ball," said head coach Danny Sanchez. "She's a junior now and has a couple years' experience with us so we are expecting her to do well."
"Last year we all weren't on the same page and we have been doing a lot better and hopefully we apply that on the field and obviously it will work out if we do it correctly," said Orejel. "We have been working a lot on our clearing and a lot on when one defender steps, the rest of us cover. As an outside back, we have to defend but also help in the attack whenever our forwards are running down line or we play them (forwards) a ball and make sure we go and support them."
After a 2015 season that included 17 appearances and three starts as a true freshman, Vidger hopes to boost the Buffs' back line. The team had a 0.93 goals-against average when she was on the pitch last season.
Vidger participated in the United States U-20 Women's National Team training camp in 2015 and was named defensive player of the year in her sophomore and junior seasons of high school at Rock Canyon in Castle Rock, Colo.
"I think our defense is looking really good especially compared to last year," Vidger said. "We have a lot more chemistry and our communication has gotten better and I think we are getting better and better every day. We got scored on a bunch of times last year over some little mistakes. We are just really minimizing as many mistakes as we can and clearing the ball as wide as possible and it's really just about taking care of the little things."
Kahlia Hogg also returns to the back line after missing most of last season with an injury. In the six starts she made on defense, the team was 4-1-1; in the remaining 14 matches, the team was 3-9-2 after her injury. Her versatility could also allow her to see time in the midfield or on the attack.
Orejel, Vidger and Hogg will be joined by returning players senior Kenzie Tillitt, junior Courtney Fedor and sophomore Brooklyn Varnadore. Varnadore made 15 appearances with three starts in 2015, but is likely to miss this season with an injury suffered in the spring. Fedor played in nine matches with one start with the team 0.37 goals against average in her 2015 appearances.
Freshman Kelsey Aaknes could make an immediate impact as well. The California native was a four-star recruit and scored 13 goals as a senior at La Costa Canyon High School. Her 5-11 frame also adds needed size to the lineup.
Colorado opens up its season tomorrow at Air Force at 6 p.m. The Buffs will make their 2016 home debut on Sunday at Prentup field against Colorado State at 3 p.m.
The turnaround begins with junior Joss Orejel and sophomore Alex Vidger. Orejel became a defensive leader last season, starting in 17 matches at left-outside back and recording one goal and four assists. Orejel has competed with Mexico's Under-20 Women's National Team in 2015 and 2016, and the Under-17 national team in 2012.
"Obviously Joss has established herself as a left back. She's good on the attack and she really focuses on the defending side of the ball," said head coach Danny Sanchez. "She's a junior now and has a couple years' experience with us so we are expecting her to do well."
"Last year we all weren't on the same page and we have been doing a lot better and hopefully we apply that on the field and obviously it will work out if we do it correctly," said Orejel. "We have been working a lot on our clearing and a lot on when one defender steps, the rest of us cover. As an outside back, we have to defend but also help in the attack whenever our forwards are running down line or we play them (forwards) a ball and make sure we go and support them."
After a 2015 season that included 17 appearances and three starts as a true freshman, Vidger hopes to boost the Buffs' back line. The team had a 0.93 goals-against average when she was on the pitch last season.
Vidger participated in the United States U-20 Women's National Team training camp in 2015 and was named defensive player of the year in her sophomore and junior seasons of high school at Rock Canyon in Castle Rock, Colo.
"I think our defense is looking really good especially compared to last year," Vidger said. "We have a lot more chemistry and our communication has gotten better and I think we are getting better and better every day. We got scored on a bunch of times last year over some little mistakes. We are just really minimizing as many mistakes as we can and clearing the ball as wide as possible and it's really just about taking care of the little things."
Kahlia Hogg also returns to the back line after missing most of last season with an injury. In the six starts she made on defense, the team was 4-1-1; in the remaining 14 matches, the team was 3-9-2 after her injury. Her versatility could also allow her to see time in the midfield or on the attack.
Orejel, Vidger and Hogg will be joined by returning players senior Kenzie Tillitt, junior Courtney Fedor and sophomore Brooklyn Varnadore. Varnadore made 15 appearances with three starts in 2015, but is likely to miss this season with an injury suffered in the spring. Fedor played in nine matches with one start with the team 0.37 goals against average in her 2015 appearances.
Freshman Kelsey Aaknes could make an immediate impact as well. The California native was a four-star recruit and scored 13 goals as a senior at La Costa Canyon High School. Her 5-11 frame also adds needed size to the lineup.
Colorado opens up its season tomorrow at Air Force at 6 p.m. The Buffs will make their 2016 home debut on Sunday at Prentup field against Colorado State at 3 p.m.
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