Senior forward Jaclyn Giordano eyes down the ball , attempting to push the attack upfield.

Photo by Athletic Communications

As a top ranked Patriot League team, Colgate wasn’t expecting to feel much pressure this weekend. The Leopards thought otherwise, bringing the heat with an all-new formation. Instead of a 4-5-1 with four backs, three central midfielders, two outside mids and one high attacker, the Leopards now play in a 4-4-2 with four central midfielders and two forwards up front. The team had never tried it out until this past Saturday, but it proved to be effective. Although the Leopards lost to Colgate 2-0, it was Lafayette’s best showing of energy and team performance yet. It was a hard-fought battle for the Raiders, who were held off the entire first half.

Senior defender Caroline Craver believes the new formation puts the team in a better position.

“It suits the personnel we have on the team and gives us a more attacking frame of mind because we can overload the midfield,” Craver said.

With an experienced back four of seniors Caroline Craver and Alex Reisinger, and juniors Sam Potoczak and Kelly Chickering, the defense does not change regardless of the lineup.

However, with two forwards instead of the typical high attacker in the new line-up, the team has more attacking opportunities. Senior co-captain Jaclyn Giordano and sophomore Kaelin King are the two fit for the job.

Head coach Mick Statham was happy with the team’s overall mental and physical performance.

“I thought we played hard and without any fear which was massively encouraging. It starts with the seniors and they were focused and all embraced the stage they had been given,” Statham said.

The score line didn’t necessarily reflect the game as a whole; the team has a lot of positives going forward. With many of their previously injured players back on the field the team is getting back up to speed. Returning from injuries, senior Jaclyn Giordano and sophomore Joanna Scotti each attempted two shots for the Leopards during the game. Scotti almost scored, but the Colgate keeper stretched out for a big save to secure the win.

According to coach Statham, the lineup will change given their competition or the form of particular players. The Leopard’s next game and second Patriot League contest will be played this Friday at Navy.