Michigan Girls Soccer

SPRING LAKE — For a young woman whose soccer career has taken her across the country, and around the globe, Annie Steinlage has remained remarkably humble.

That doesn't mean others haven't taken notice of her formidable talents.

Steinlage, a junior at Spring Lake High School, was announced as the Gatorade Michigan Girls Soccer Player of the Year on Tuesday.

The recognition stunned Steinlage, who learned of the award from coach Jeremy Thelen prior to Tuesday's practice.


"It's a huge honor," Steinlage said. "I don't really know what it entails, but Coach (Jeremy) Thelen said that it's out of the whole state of Michigan, and there are so many good players in the state. It's just a really big honor. It's completely unexpected."

The award "recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field." more

Regents Approve Building of New Soccer Stadium

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Work will begin immediately on the design of a new University of Michigan soccer stadium, following Board of Regents approval of the project during today's (Thursday, May 14) meeting in Dearborn.

The stadium will be built on the site of the current competition field, one of three soccer fields added in 2008. The fields are located west of the tennis complex on South State Street in Ann Arbor.

The project will add grandstand seating for 2,200, two team locker rooms, restrooms and concessions for spectators and a press area. The $6 million project will be funded by Intercollegiate Athletics resources and gifts.

Bill Martin, director of intercollegiate athletics, said the goal is to create a European-style stadium with seating on both sides of the field. Some of those seats could be covered depending on costs, he said. The current field has only temporary bleachers. more

Trenton has been perfect so far

The Trojanettes have all but clinched the Mega White, improving to 8-0 after two more wins last week.

Trenton avoided a trap by edging out last-place Belleville on the road 1-0 Wednesday.

Freshman Megan Wilson scored the game-winning goal unassisted with 15 minutes left.

"She stole the ball and dribbled in about 40 yards and she shot it from 15 yards out," Coach John Horrigan said. "Belleville played much tougher than their record."

Goalkeeper Stephanie McLeod earned her third shutout of the season.

On Monday Trenton beat Redford Union 6-1, helped by a four-goal second half. more
 

Woodhaven takes control of the Red division lead

The Woodhaven soccer team made a statement on Wednesday against Dear-born: the Michigan Mega Conference Red division wasn't big enough for the both of them.

The Warriors won 1-0 to wrest control of the Red lead, after playing to a tie in the first meeting be-tween rivals.

With eight minutes left, Kaitlynn Clemens took a pass from Renee Morrison and scored the winner.

"Kaitlynn went around two defenders, cut inside and past another de-fender," Coach Bernie Turner said. "As the keeper rushed out to the top of the 18-yard box, she slid it into the far corner. It was a beautiful effort."

In net, goalie Shelby Jackson earned her ninth shutout of the season.

With the win, Wood-haven (5-0-1) holds first place by itself, while Dearborn Edsel Ford slides into second and Dearborn to third. more

Ram soccer picks up state ranking

Montrose kickers add pair of 1-0 wins

MONTROSE - For the first time in the history of Montrose girls' soccer, the Rams are state ranked. Coach Jason Perrin said the Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Association gave the Rams an eighth place slot in Division II during the first week of May.


"It's a testament to what these girls, and the ones before them, have done to build our program," Perrin said. "Hopefully, it motivates us to work harder."

Perrin's hopes may be fulfilled, as the girls added two non-conference1-0 wins following the state-ranking announcement. The Lady Rams out shot Waterford Mott 10-3 in a week capping game on Friday, May 1 before launching the next week with a 23-1 shot advantage over Bad Axe on Monday.

On May 1, both the hosting Montrose and visiting Waterford Mott went into the second half scoreless. Coach Jason Perrin said the Corsairs controlled the first ten minutes of play in the second half before the Rams could regain their momentum with three shots that deflected off the post. more

Four Wolverines to Wear Captains Armband for 2009 Season

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- University of Michigan women's soccer head coach Greg Ryan announced today (Thursday, April 16) that juniors Amy Klippert (Newport Beach, Calif./Newport Harbor) and Kylie Neschke (Still River, Mass./Tabor Academy), junior/sophomore Alex Jendrusch (Troy, Mich./Athens) and sophomore Jackie Carron (Rochester Hills, Mich./Rochester) will serve as captains for the 2009 campaign.

"I believe these four players will be great leaders for us with each person making a unique and key contribution to our team as we continue rebuilding the Michigan women's soccer program," Ryan said.

The versatile Klippert has started all 56 games she has appeared in, alternating between the backline and the midfield. She scored her first career goal as part of a two-goal outburst against Eastern Michigan last season.

A staple of the Wolverine backline, Neschke has appeared in all but two games over the last three seasons, starting 38 times. Neschke was selected Academic All-Big Ten last season and has a trio of U-M Athletic Academic Achievement awards to her name. more