Tucson, Ariz. – As the 2016 season for Arizona Soccer fast approaches, goalkeeper
Lainey Burdett shared some thoughts about her experience with the team.
"I am looking forward to playing with the new girls that are coming on to the team," said Burdett. "It is exciting to be starting a whole different season and it's going to be a lot different from last season. I'm also just looking forward to playing right now."
Last season, Burdett played in 16 matches for the Wildcats while logging over 1,250 minutes on the pitch. She earned a .754 save percentage with 52 saves and maintained a goals-against average of 1.22, which is the sixth-best mark in Arizona history. So, last season went pretty well. What's going to be the difference this season?
"We're still playing with high pressure and speed and we try to keep the game quick," said Burdett. "But this season, we're working on our defense and connecting a lot more passes."
Burdett is an integral part of coordinating the team's movement and keeping those connections strong. You can usually hear her yelling instructions from inside the 18-yard box to her defense and sometimes to the midfield.
"I want to be the best ever," said Burdett jokingly, with prompting from assistant coach
Paul Nagy, when she was asked what she wants her legacy to be.
Comments like this are what keeps the atmosphere light and fun for the team as they work hard with the beginning of their season fast approaching. When game time comes though, the crowd brings a new edge to Mulcahy Stadium.
"It's a whole different experience," said Burdett. "Having everybody out here watching you definitely gets your blood pumping and gets you going. It's just awesome. It's a fun time."
Now it's your turn to
Experience It Yourself at Arizona's home matches this season. You can pick up season tickets at ArizonaWildcats.com or purchase tickets at the door.
The Arizona Wildcats begin their season again on August 12th at Mulcahy Stadium against the Northern Arizona University Lumberjacks in an exhibition match, which begins at 7:00 p.m. MST.
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