LSU has had one of the top defenses in the country this year, only allowing two goals through eight games.
The defense, led by junior goalkeeper Caroline Brockmeier, has been a central aspect to the Tigers’ success, as they have outscored its opponents 17-2 this season.
But even with the tough defense that they have been playing, it still has a long way to go. LSU has allowed only 34 shots on goals, but the defense on set pieces or corner kicks has often left Brockmeier to make big saves, totaling a 32 this season.
The starting back line including senior defender Jordane Carvery, sophomore defender Ellie Weber, senior Debbie Hahn and freshman Chiara Ritchie-Williams has been working on developing the chemistry with Brockmeier and others as well.
“It’s great, all five of them,” LSU coach Brian Lee said. “We’re still working on the chemistry as Debbie [Hahn] comes back in. You know, it was Lindsey Eaton and Ellie Weber to start the year and Debbie’s a definitive starter in our team. She’s coming off injury and [the chemistry] is not as clean in the last game or two as we’re working through just getting her assimilated.”
Chemistry is arguably the most important part of a team sport, and without it even the most talented teams can fall apart. If the defense is clear and cohesive, then the entire team feels the same way.
The subtle lack of chemistry has showed up in small doses such as a failure to clear balls inside the box or intercepted passes. The largest misstep came in a 1-0 loss to Vanderbilt when a throw in got loose in the box and turned into a goal.
Even as the defense continues to work hard getting back, the little things have contributed to their downfall in the only two goals they’ve allowed.
“We’ll keep working on that in terms of our spacing, but we can get even better defensively.
Chiara and Jordane have been outstanding and everybody’s effort is really good,” Lee said.
In times of need, especially when Hahn was injured, junior forward Alex Thomas has been known to drop into the back line and make just as big an impact on the opposite side of the field.
“Alex can really play anywhere for us, she could play in midfield as well if need be,” Lee said.
Thomas provides a much needed depth and chemistry to the back line when she is out there. Her speed and agility enables her to get through the box quickly without giving up a corner or throw in.
As the season comes to a climax with the beginning of SEC play, Lee is hoping that they will be able to effortlessly integrate different players into positions in the back line and even further develop the chemistry needed.
“The kids are playing hard, you know, we don’t give away break aways, we don’t give away great chances and [Brockmeier] has been excellent so far,” Lee said.
With Brockmeier commanding the defense and two seniors in Hahn and Carvery, there is no lack of leadership in the back line.
“Our back four have been solid every game, especially Jordane [Carvery] today,” freshman Lucy Parker said after a 1-0 win against Liberty. “I thought that whenever we were dipping she was always there picking up the tempo telling us to keep our heads up. It’s big-time having that in the back.”