The Iona College women’s soccer team entered the 2018 season filled with new players, as there are 11 freshmen on the roster. Iona has struggled out of the gate this season, supporting a 2-4 record,but Head Coach Sarah Brady continues to stick with her game plan and has plenty of confidence the Gaels will turn things around.

“We’ve done really well with our commitment to the game plan and building depth,” Brady said. “We have a lot of kids rotating in and out.”

Brady pushes the team to develop with each other and build strong team chemistry. Transitioning from defense to attack has been a struggling point for the team so far.

“Our rhythm’s been off a little bit on our transition to attack,” Brady said. “We need to be a little bit more precise, but we’re getting there.”

The wave of freshmen this year has given Iona plenty of depth. Freshmen like Emma Havrilla, who has started three of the last four games, and Faith Preziosi, who was named MAAC Rookie of the Week for the first week of competitive play. The talent from the freshmen helps confidence in the team as a whole.

“We’ve had some injuries but, we haven’t really missed that person,” Brady said. “Yes, we’ve missed them but we haven’t had to change something dramatically to compensate for them not being there.”

Freshmen have been a big part of the team’s play this year. They have either spent time in the starting lineup or playing in critical situations. The best example is Preziosi scoring the game-winning goal in Iona’s 3-2 season opening win against Sacred Heart on Aug. 17.

“I couldn’t care less how old you are,” Brady said. “If you’re the best option for the team, you’re going to be on the pitch. Out of the 11 freshmen we’ve got, 10 of them have been on the field.”

Upperclassmen have played a huge role in the freshmen’s performances as well. They’ve helped the freshmen get comfortable with the team and improve their game.

“Our older players deserve a good season,” Brady said. “They’re excited because we’ve got more good players.”

One of the best freshmen to come into the team this season is Andrea Ferrer. She’s started three out of four games this season and has been one of the best individual defenders so far.

“She’s a very unique talent,” Brady said. “For someone so young, her composure on the ball is outstanding. She’s someone who’s doing well now.”