Aug. 22, 2006
Rob Klatte balances his emotions as he discusses this year's crop of Boilermakers. His eyes widen with excitement when he talks about what a great battler Rebecca Robison is, and how skilled Jessica Okoroafo is with the ball; however, there is just enough hesitation in his responses to make one think this season won't be as easy as it looks - is it ever?
The upside is that this year's club is loaded with talent and experience. Purdue lost two skill players in Lauren Sesselmann and Kim Comisar, but return nine starters, including senior goalkeeper Lauren Mason and a 13-woman junior class - seven of whom are starting lineup regulars.
"Our juniors are the core of this team," said Klatte. "They have two full years, 40-plus matches under their belts. They've been to all the Big Ten venues and have been successful along the way."
But why the hesitation? Because Klatte is a realist and he's been around long enough to know that bad things happen to good people. Preseason injuries always seem to creep into what should be a picture-perfect season. The team went without Sesselmann in 2004 and center back Kristin Lichtenberg in 2005. Heading into this year, the coaching staff will redshirt three incoming freshmen due to injuries they incurred during their final high school seasons. Also, junior defensive midfielder Jordyn Shaffer continues to fight through her leg problems, which have sidelined her during parts of her first two seasons.
A new alignment is in store for the Boilermakers. After spending most of 2004 and 2005 playing in a 4-3-3 formation, Klatte is considering a switch to a 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 configuration for 2006. The team played well in a 3-5-2 this past spring, but Klatte could utilize the 3-4-3, if a stronger offensive presence is required. Purdue hasn't used the 3-4-3 since 2003, when forwards Courtney Coppedge, Annette Kent and Sesselmann set several team records with their relentless attack.
Klatte is confident the transition from four to three defensive backs will be a smooth one. Juniors Christy Riggle, Kira Bilecky and Zarinah Blockton are favorites to win the starting jobs out of training camp.
Obviously, the biggest difference between a 3-5-2 and 3-4-3 is the positioning of the midfielders. In the 3-5-2, Klatte will use two outside mids, two central mids, and a defensive mid who will serve as a buffer between the midfield and defensive line. In a 3-4-3 alignment, the two outside mids are accompanied by the defensive mid and an attacking mid, who can assume the duties of both midfielder and forward.
Klatte's lineup possibilities are endless thanks to the amount of team depth, which can be a blessing until it's time to submit the lineup.
Forward
Jessica Okoroafo is a clinch to start at forward, but who will be starting alongside the reigning Big Ten Freshman of the Year now that Lauren Sesselmann is out of the picture?
Juniors Jill Sarbaugh and Parrissa Eyorokon have experience playing up top, but Klatte envisions those veterans playing a major role in the midfield. Therefore, the role of attacker will likely be assumed by either redshirt freshman Sylvia Forbes or newcomers Katie Becker and Loredana Riverso.
Klatte notes that Forbes is the most similar to Sesselmann among the three. They both can shoot, possess a strong and athletic frame and are great in the air.
Becker, according to Klatte, brings a different dimension to the Boilermakers' offensive attack. And not only can she play forward, she could fit in as an attacking midfielder as well.
"Katie is a classy soccer player. Not only can she score, she's awesome with the ball both technically and tactically. Her distribution skills will be among the best on this team."
With regards to Riverso, Klatte is more than impressed with her range of athleticism and sophistication with the ball. She's also an asset because of how quick she can move from one end of the field to the other, and like Forbes, is gifted in the air.
Midfield
Purdue's midfield could be one of its most balanced of the last few years, provided everyone stays healthy on the pitch.
In the 3-5-2 formation, the midfielder lineup will likely be comprised of Sarbaugh and Eyorokon on the outside, a combo of team captain Robison, Shauna Stapleton and Becker in the middle and Shaffer as the defensive midfielder.
Sarbaugh and Eyorokon are offensive-minded skill players, who can make long runs along the sideline and can cross the ball back to the middle. Both juniors also claim strong left feet, which will help the Boilermakers open up the game on set plays. Eyorokon and Sarbaugh are Purdue's most experienced options for taking corner kicks in place of Comisar, who graduated this past spring.
The biggest question at midfield regards the condition of Shaffer's legs, which have been impaired by compartment syndrome off and on over the last two seasons. According to the Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, compartment syndrome is defined as, "a painful condition that results when pressure within the muscles builds to dangerous levels."
If Shaffer is unable to compete, Klatte is ready to train either Eyorokon or Stapleton to assume the role of defensive midfielder.
Defense/Goalkeeper
Purdue is moving to a three-back defensive system for the first time since 2003, and will be anchored by juniors Bilecky, Blockton and Riggle. Tricia Krombach also will be called upon to compete at this position when needed, while Kristin Hetzel is being moved to outside midfielder. In addition to the back line's respect and comfort with one another, Klatte says they're toughness will play a major role in winning games.
"They're tough kids, and most opponents don't like playing against them. Not only can they defend the ball, but they're battlers, as well."
Klatte welcomes four goalkeepers to this year's training camp, senior Lauren Mason, sophomores Jenny Bradfisch and Deanna Eff and newcomer Carianne Betts. Mason, who didn't miss a single minute in 2005, again is expected to receive a bulk of playing time in 2006, but Klatte will keep his eyes open for opportunities for the three youngsters. Mason could have her best season since her freshman year, playing behind this experienced back line.
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