Q & A With George Van Linder
9/10/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Sept. 10, 2008
NACOGDOCHES, Texas - During the 2008 season, first-year head coach George Van Linder will answer questions submitted by fans and media. Check this space every Wednesday for his thoughts on recent and upcoming games, as well as everything else pertaining to Ladyjack soccer. Following is the season's third installment of Q&A With Coach Van Linder.
Q: Recap last Friday's game at Louisiana Tech and give your assessments of the team's play.
A: Friday was a lot of frustration. La. Tech had a good game plan, so I certainly don't want to take anything away from them, but when corner kicks are 8 to 1 in our favor, you can tell that we just didn't finish our chances. We also had a few let-downs in the back, which is uncharacteristic of that group. I was pleased with our fight at the end of the game -- we just ran out of time.
Q: In Monday's game against Arkansas State, your team scored a season-high three goals. You've been talking all season about finishing scoring opportunities when you get them. What do you think finally clicked in Monday's win?
A: We have been telling the team that we are getting better every day. We have been spending a lot of time working on scoring goals, so hopefully all that work is paying off, and we'll see more of what we saw Monday.
Q: Your team is 2-0-0 at home, and all four of this season's goals have been scored in home games. Everyone typically plays better at home, but the Ladyjacks have a decisive edge in home games in shots and shots on goal. What is the biggest difference-maker, in your opinion, when comparing home games to road games?
A: I'm not sure, but we have to be more successful on the road. We feel like we give the players everything to succeed: good hotel, good pre-game meal. But there really is no place like home. Let's face it though -- championship teams are tough on the road, and we haven't been that yet. Our record on the road can only get better, and I am sure SFA fans will see a difference soon.
Q: It's hard to unseat a goalkeeper like Crystin Pactor, who started every game in net a year ago, but sophomore net-minder Courtney Bauder has started each of the last four games and played well. What did Courtney show you early this season to demonstrate that she was ready to step into the starter's role?
A: Really, Courtney should be complimented for her hard work. She also owes a lot to Crystin Pactor, who showed up for preseason in her best shape ever. I don't want to be the one to light the fuse and say, "goalkeeper controversy," like when you hear "quarterback controversy," but we have a bit of that right now. Freshmen Natalie Strabala is also very good and doesn't let those two rest. I want to have the best goalkeeping tandem in the Southland Conference, and, arguably, we could have the best trio in the conference. The goalkeepers battle each week, and Bauder is on a little bit of a winning streak. Most importantly, the field players in front of them feel very comfortable with whoever is in goal.
Q: Your team's home-field winning streak will face a serious test this weekend with SEC team Arkansas coming in on Sunday. What kind of game do you expect from the Razorbacks?
A: We have done a lot of scouting on the Razorbacks, and everyone says that they are very well coached and play a very attractive style. Having said that, we have a team of five seniors and plenty of returning players who have seen high-quality teams before. So, I think they will know what to expect, and we hope that if Arkansas is going to beat us, they will have to play their very best. I certainly can't predict the results of this game, but I can promise that the 'Jacks will give everything they have. It should be a good game, and we can use a lot of SFA fans out there. So put on some purple, come out and be loud!
-- SFA --
• Got a question for SFA soccer head coach George Van Linder? E-mail your query to assistant director of media relations Brian Ross. Be sure to type "SFA Soccer Q&A" in the subject line and include your first name and hometown. Questions will be screened for content, and Coach Van Linder's responses will be posted weekly on Wednesdays, or as his schedule allows.
