USL Feature Article
Friday, December 10, 2009
Rachael Sloan, who tallied a goal in two games with the Red Eleven this season in the W-League, finished her collegiate season on a high note – the Marquette forward was named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America’s All-Northeast Region Second Team.
Sloan was also Marquette’s first-ever All-BIG EAST First Team selection. She led the Golden Eagle offense with 19 points on seven goals, five of which are game winners, and five assists. Three of her game winners came in BIG EAST play in regular-season wins over Seton Hall, Connecticut and Syracuse, while one proved to be the golden goal in MU’s 1-0 victory over West Virginia in the BIG EAST Tournament Semifinals.
“Rachael had a great season and this is a tremendous honor for her," said 2009 BIG EAST Coach of the Year Markus Roeders. "She proved that she is among the top forwards in the BIG EAST and in the region. We are proud of her accomplishments and look forward to her having a bright future with our program.”
Sloan also gained experience playing in the Super-20 League North American Finals in Rockford, Illinois. She was named to the All-Tournament Team following her team’s second-place finish in the event.
One of USL’s rising stars, USLsoccer.com recently spoke with Sloan regarding her collegiate season at Marquette, her experience playing in the W-League and Super-20 League and her team’s thoughts heading into their BIG EAST Semifinal match against West Virginia in which Sloan netted the game-winner.
USLsoccer.com: Leading your team in most offensive categories as a sophomore is an impressive start to your career, what are your professional playing aspirations?
Rachael Sloan: Ever since I can remember, I have dreamt of playing professional soccer, whether it is here in the United States or overseas.
USLsoccer.com: Have you played with the US National Team at the youth level?
Rachael Sloan: Unfortunately no, I have never played with any youth US national teams. Playing competitive club soccer and basketball as a kid pretty much filled my entire schedule so I didn’t have time to take part in programs like ODP that could have potentially exposed me to a spot on a national team.
USLsoccer.com: Do you plan on playing with the Red Eleven’s W-League team again next season?
Rachael Sloan: Yes, I would love to play again with the Red Eleven. It was a great experience because I played with a lot of talented players at a high level just about every day. Playing with them this summer was also great preparation for my college season. Not to mention, it was a lot of fun.
USLsoccer.com: With the Red Eleven you were listed as a defender but with Marquette you play offense, which do you prefer and why?
Rachael Sloan: I would pick playing forward over defense any day. All the action happens up there and I love the thrill of scoring. Not only that, but I have played forward since I first stepped on the soccer field and it is where I feel the most comfortable. At the same time, I did enjoy playing defense this summer. It was a good change of pace and I learned a lot from looking at the field from a different position.
USLsoccer.com: What were your thoughts on the level of play at this year’s USL Super-20 League North American Finals in Rockford, Illinois?
Rachael Sloan: I thought that the competition in this year’s Super-20 finals was pretty even. Every game was a battle and it was good preparation going into college pre-season.
USLsoccer.com: Heading into your match with West Virginia, what were some things your team was looking to do to win the game?
Rachael Sloan: We just wanted to come out hard, win every 50/50 ball, possess and play the way we know how to play. We knew that it wasn’t going to be an easy game and that the team who played with the most heart would prevail.
USLsoccer.com: Who was the best team you faced in your collegiate season?
Rachael Sloan: I think that UNC was our toughest competition this season. They are a great team who knows how to win. It was a close game when we faced them in September but unfortunately we lost. We became a stronger team because of it and we took that loss as a great learning experience.
USLsoccer.com: What type of system do you play at Marquette (4-4-2/3-5-2)?
Rachael Sloan: We play a 4-4-2.
USLsoccer.com: Does the style of soccer you play at Marquette have anything in common with what you have seen with the Red Eleven?
Rachael Sloan: Yes. Similar to the Red Eleven, at Marquette we play in a 4-4-2 formation, we look to possess going forward and we try to bring our outside backs and outside midfielders in the attack as much as possible.
USLsoccer.com: What do you rely more on to beat defenders: your speed or your technical ability?
Rachael Sloan: Well, I think that speed is a gift that not many players have so I try to utilize it as much as possible. Usually I can get away with it but I know that relying on my speed alone is not going to cut it against all teams.
USLsoccer.com: Did playing in the W-League and Super-20 League give you an edge coming into your collegiate preseason?
Rachael Sloan: Yes. I think that playing this summer with the red eleven was awesome preparation for my college preseason. We practiced just about every day, which helped me with my touch on the ball and staying in shape. I came into this year’s preseason in possibly the greatest shape I have ever been in and the Red Eleven was a huge contributor. I really noticed a difference in my play after the W-League season ended. I am confident that if I continue to play with them, I will get better and better. I think that it is a great program to participate in for all college soccer players because it really helps you keep up with your soccer skills and maintain a high fitness level.
