Wilson anticipated all the scenarios defensively, but needed a whole season to gel. From corner kicks to crosses, the Lakewomen relied on a flat-four formation that was learned and adjusted as the season progressed, which ended in a run to the Section VI Class C finals.
But at the start of this season, Wilson now had experience and confidence to progress. A summer spent together competing in the Buffalo and Western New York Junior Soccer League has sped up the process of familiarity and knowledge of the formation for the Lakewomen.
With the added familiarity, Wilson is now aiming for the defensive pressure to turn into hardware in the Niagara-Orleans League and the section The formation, to head coach Jeff Hart, provides pressure on the backend.
“The one thing that I always like to start with is locking it down from the back so, that way, we’re never playing from behind,” Hart said. “I’ve always felt it’s a lot easier to play from the front so that’s kind of our security and keeping balls out and getting as many shutouts as possible. That’s just always been kind of our focus.”
In addition to Brooke Urban returning for her sophomore season in net after recording 0.88 goals against average was the 10th-best in the section, Wilson has familiarity on the backline to continue its working from the back out approach. The Lakewomen return both centerbacks, senior McKenzie Elia and junior Rowan Simpson, and junior outside backer Bella Thrush.
Junior Abby Faery is the newcomer to the quartet as senior Marisa Schultz is playing at
forward. But no matter who is playing on the backline, the flat-four formation is what has helped Wilson limit opponents’ offensive opportunities.
Playing in the flat-four is what Hart brought over after coaching the varsity boys team for 12 years, including leading the Lakemen to the section’s Class B2 championship win in 2014. Having the extra backer, from Hart’s view, allows Wilson to also generate opportunities offensively.
“I just like the idea that it gives them a chance to communicate, pass the ball back and forth,” Hart said. “And what it does, instead of just having one player back, I’ve always found some teams will just kind of kick the ball out. When we have two players back there, they can pass with each other and then we can build from the back, instead of just kind of launching the ball out.”
Heading into this season, Wilson found an ability to stymie opponents. The Lakewomen recorded 11 shutouts last season, including in 10 of their first 13 contests.
Limiting scoring has also been a trend since Hart took over last season. The Lakewomen have only allowed more than two goals in a contest four times, including a 3-2 loss to Amherst on Sept. 5.
The 16 goals allowed last season was Wilson’s fewest since giving up 12 in 2020. It also marked a significant decrease, compared to allowing 27 in 2021 and 34 in 2022.
But to those currently on the pitch, the success behind Wilson’s defensive prowess comes through verbalizing ball movement. For Urban, having communication with her centerbacks helps the entire unit anticipate and prepare for the next shot.
“I feel like it’s just we all know where to go,” Urban said. “And if a ball is going to be played through to the corner or it’s going to be crossed, we all can just communicate very well and kind of put each other where we need to go.”