Chasing the goal: A mid-season review of Miami women’s soccer

The Miami University women's soccer team finished 4-3-4 in Mid-American Conference (MAC) play last season, placing fifth in the conference and falling short to Kent State University in the first round of the conference tournament.

This season, the RedHawks look to rebound from 2024 and chase something they haven't obtained in over a decade: a conference championship.

One month away from the MAC tournament, the RedHawks are 6-5 (3-2 in MAC play) heading into the home stretch of the regular season. They started MAC play after an even 3-3 record in the non-conference slate, including 3-0 shutouts against Chicago State University and Tennessee Tech University.

Miami’s 3-2 record in MAC play puts the team at third in the conference with six games remaining, a huge improvement from last season, when the RedHawks were 1-2-2 through their first five MAC games.

"We've come a long way since last year," sophomore forward Millie Cook said. "One of our biggest strengths moving forward is having the mindset that we're going to score. We're going to find a way to get the ball in the back of the net."

Cook shined in a 3-2 victory over Queens University in the RedHawks’ second game of the season, scoring two goals early in the first half. Her first goal was assisted by junior midfielder Morhea Hoefen at the 1:37 mark, and her second was scored unassisted. Cook currently leads the roster with three goals this year, followed by two each from junior forward Katie O’Malley, junior midfielder Kayla Perfect and redshirt sophomore defender Sophia Penegor.

The defense is also off to a strong start this season with 13 goals allowed across nine games, including four shutouts. Penegor, a First-Team All-Conference defender last season, hasn't stepped off the field once, leading the team in minutes played. She said she is confident in the team's back line because of their chemistry.

"We have a really special bond this season, and going into bigger conference games, it's going to be super critical," Penegor said. "There's a lot of instances where confidence is key, so building off each other and knowing when others need to step up is going to be great."

Miami's 2-0 shutout win over Northern Illinois University in the MAC opener is a testament to the back line's confidence and teamwork. The RedHawks lean on a defense that thrives on good communication, leading to a more cohesive play style.

"Things have changed, [and] pieces are moving," Penegor said. "Players are aware of the role that they play in the team, which has been awesome because they know when they need to step up, and when they need to let someone else step up."

The team's schematic changes developed in the behind-the-scenes efforts in team practices. From slide tackling and pulling on jerseys in practice to studying film and breaking down opponents' play style, the team has been putting in the dirty work throughout the regular season.

"When we're watching film or looking at other defensive structures, we're great at breaking them apart," Cook said. "We're strong in the wide channels and taking players one-on-one, and we make dangerous runs that threaten the other team's back line.

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Upsetting opponents’ defenses has been the RedHawks’ story this season. They have taken more shots than the other team in all but three games, and this is an attribution to the team's talent across their many offensive weapons. Ten different players have scored at least one goal, and seven have taken double-digit shots so far.

“It’s hard for defenders to prepare when we have these different weapons up front,” head coach Courtney Sirmans said. “[It] helps us keep the opposition’s back lines on their toes.”

Each player on the roster brings her own style of play, which adds to a strong team balance. Sirmans credits the team's chemistry to how the players connect with each other on and off the field.

"When you're around the group, you can't differentiate a team captain from a freshman," Sirmans said. “Their team chemistry is phenomenal, and to be honest, it makes our job as a coaching staff a whole lot easier when they get along."

The MAC tournament kicks off on Nov. 1. Previously, the RedHawks were ranked No. 7 out of 13 teams in the coaches preseason poll, but they have climbed their way to one of the top teams in the conference with two wins against Eastern Michigan and Akron.

"I don't believe in luck," Sirmans said. "I believe you can create your own path, and so if we're consistent in having that winning mentality and showing up no matter who it is, this team can be first or second in the MAC with no question in my mind."

younggm7@miamioh.edu