May 20, 2005

VILLANOVA, Pa. - The captains for the 2005 women's soccer team were announced today by head coach Ann Clifton, and five individuals will serve as captains during the coming season. The 2005 captains are senior forward Lindsey Finnegan (Blackwood, N.J.), senior defenders Kristin Anderson (Annapolis, Md.), Laura Koch (Blackwood, N.J.) and Patricia Misciagna (Red Bank, N.J.), and junior goalie Jillian Loyden (Vineland, N.J.).

"It is interesting to have five captains because that is obviously a larger number," Clifton said. "However, all five of the captains bring something completely different to the table. They all lead in different ways. We are a young team and a large group so it is important for all of these young ladies to be on the right page at all times. The five captains work very well together. They are close friends and complement each other very well. I think the team is very confident in the structure of our leadership."

Misciagna and Finnegan will return to action this season after missing last season with injuries. Finnegan was injured during the preseason, while Misciagna suffered a season-ending injury in the second game of the season. Misciagna has been one of the anchors of a perennially strong defensive unit, while Finnegan emerged as a sophomore in 2003 to register team highs of eight goals and 21 points.

"I am ecstatic to have Patricia back for another year," Clifton said. "She is a fifth-year senior who has been to four straight NCAA Tournaments, and has so much experience that she can add to the team. Lindsey is coming off an injury, but gained great experience before the injury. She has shown great courage recovering from the injury, and the team can respond to the way she challenged herself to come back. It is important to have a strong leader at the forward position."

During her sophomore season in 2004, Loyden started all 22 games and allowed just 15 goals. She had a 0.72 goals-against average and .860 save percentage, while totaling 92 saves. She posted eight shutouts and had a season-high 10 saves on two occasions.

"Jillian is coming off a terrific season, and the goalie always needs to be a strong leader on the field."

Koch and Anderson will lead a defense that gave up just 0.69 goals per game last season. Villanova ranked 23rd in the nation in goals-against average, and was 46th in shutout percentage.

"Laura and Kristin are the defensive leaders of our team, and I am very excited about what they can do this season," Clifton said. "They are best friends but lead in such different ways. They are both very effective in the styles of leadership they use."

The Wildcats also recently announced the 2005 schedule. Villanova opens the season on August 26 with a home game against La Salle at 4:00 p.m.