Clarksville, TN – After less than a week of training, the Austin Peay State University (APSU) women’s soccer team will be put to the test for the first time when they take on Georgia State in a 1:00pm, Monday exhibition match at Creekwood High School in Charlotte, Tennessee.
Camp began Wednesday when twenty-nine athletes reported to begin training for the upcoming season.
Twelve newcomers from six countries joined the seventeen Govs returning from the 2018 team to complete the roster for head coach Naomi Kolarova.
After having the entire spring season and offseason to build her squad for 2019, Kolarova has found a lot to like heading into her second season.
“I’d like to build on the focus from spring season where we worked really hard to be playing a fast style of possession soccer,” Kolarova said. “We’re not there yet, but we look fit, sharp, and hungry. The attitude and work ethic of this group is fantastic, they are fun to be around and it’s been a good first few days.”
The Govs will take on Georgia State in an exhibition match for the second time in the last four seasons, the 2016 exhibition in Atlanta ended in a 1-1 tie. The exhibition will be the Governors’ first test in 2019, and will give Kolarova a chance to see how her team responds to live game action.
“We’re a long way from establishing a starting eleven and we will use Monday’s game to see what players can bring to the table,” Kolarova said. “We’re looking for quick ball movement in possession, as well as awareness of space and players both in and out of possession. Offensively we want to create shooting opportunities and be smart about taking them. On the defensive side we want to limit shooting opportunities and obviously aim for a clean sheet.”
Following Monday’s exhibition against Georgia State, the Govs will travel to Western Kentucky for a 6:00pm August 18th exhibition match to wrap up the preseason. The Govs will kick off the regular season with a 6:00pm August 23rd match at Chattanooga. The Govs home opener is a 7:00pm August 30th match against Mercer at Morgan Brothers Soccer Field. Follow on Twitter (@AustinPeaySOCR) for all updates and news regarding Austin Peay Soccer this season.
