* Number in parenthesis denotes TopDrawerSoccer preseason college ranking. See complete rankings here.

(17) RUTGERS RECAP
Last season: 13-6-1, 7-3-1 in Big East National Conference
Result: Was third place in regular season standings; lost to Marquette in quarters of conference tournament; advanced to round of 16 in NCAAs.
Head coach: Glenn Crooks
Key Returners: M Gina DeMaio (Sr.), GK Erin Guthrie (Sr.), F Caycie Gusman (Sr.), F/D Ashley Jones (Jr.); D Becky Wise (Sr.)
Key Subtractions: M Alicia Hall, F Kristen Edmonds

2009 TEAM PREVIEW

With seven returning starters, not to mention a full stash of talent either arriving or coming off of injury, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights appear, on paper at least, to be poised for a strong season.  

“We have two or three players at every position,” said coach Glenn Crooks. "I’d be disappointed if we weren’t more dangerous on the attack this year.”

One reason for that would be senior Caycie Gusman, last year’s leading scorer despite having her season cut short due to a knee injury. In 16 games Gusman tallied eight goals and has been named a team captain for the upcoming year.

Setup queen Gina DeMaio will provide an extra dose of senior leadership while stabilizing the midfield along with returning starters Ashley Medcalf and Jenifer Anzivino.

In transfer Julie Lancos, who arrives after having spent one season at Florida State, the team will have yet another skilled defensive player to possibly play alongside returning starter Becky Wise.

Goalkeeper Erin Guthrie is an important staple and has been put on the Hermann Trophy Award List.

And with a talented corps of incoming freshmen, Rutgers will have a diverse mix of youth, leadership and players anxious to work their way back into the fold.

“One of the big things with this team is the number of redshirts we have,” Crooks said. “We have a large number of players that are coming back from injury, and you combine that with the core we already have set and you definitely have a deep group. We have a lot of what I call soccer players – players with great soccer brains who are junkies for the game.”

That will bode especially well for Crooks’ system which is designed to allow creativity and combinations in the attacking third. A big emphasis is placed on team defense and the entire unit being tactically aware.

One thing’s for sure: opponents better be aware of Rutgers, as they’ll be a force to be reckoned with this season. 

CURRENT TEAM ROSTER

Name                   Pos.       Yr.    #         Hometown            
Jenifer Anzivino        M/F      Sr.     14      Middletown, NJ
Caitlin Conway          M        Fr.     25       Brick, NJ
Gina Demaio             M        Sr.     6        Parsippany, NJ
Tricia Dipaolo            F        So.    18       Sparta, NJ
Kelsey Dumont          F/M     Jr.     3        Wrightstown, PA
Jasmine Edwards       D        So.    13      San Diego, CA
Jonelle Filigno            F        Fr.     8        Mississauga, Canada
Rosemary Garganta    D        Fr.    28       Keamy, NJ
Caycie Gusman          F        Sr.    16       Honolulu, Hawaii
Erin Guthrie             GK        Sr.    1        Sparta, NJ
Allie Hambleton         D        So.     4       Scotch Plains, NJ
Jessica Janosz           GK       Fr.     0        Ringwood, NJ
Ashley Jones            F/D      Jr.     11       Feasterville, PA
Julia Lancos              D         So.   23       Belford, NJ
Kristie Lang              F/M      Sr.     9        East Brunswick, NJ
Maura McLaughlin       M        Fr.    22       West Windsor, NJ
Lindsey McNabb         M        Fr.    24       Montville, NJ
Ashley Medcalf           M        Jr.    12       Waipahu, Hawaii
Stefanee Pace           M        Fr.    7         Keamy, NJ
April Price                  F        Fr.    17       Mechanicsville, VA
Casey Rupon             GK      So.    99       Whitehouse Station, NJ
Maija Savics               M        So.   15       North Vancouver, B.C.
Karla Schacher           F         Sr.   19       Tofield, Alberta
Emmy Simpkins         GK        Fr.    0        Concord, N.C.
Rheanne Sleiman       F          Jr.    5        Vancouver, B.C.
Merissa Smith            F          Jr.   26        Aukland, New Zealand
Becky Wise               D         Sr.   21       West Springfield, MA
Shannon Woeller       D         Fr.   33        Vancouver, B.C.
Maggie Yahn             D         Fr.   27        Sharon, Conn.