There is No “I” in Team, Especially in the Eyes of Lysianne Proulx
By Trey Redfield
CitrusTV Women’s Soccer Beat Reporter
Syracuse Women’s Soccer is finally back in action this week–once again, on the road. Even in the 2-0 loss at Pittsburgh two Thursdays ago, there are still positives to keep an eye on–just like how Lysianne Proulx kept her eye on the ball. The senior goalkeeper notched ten saves for the Orange, tying her career high from last season against Auburn.
When I asked her about her impact on her team, she thought about her teammates and the look of the scoreboard at the final whistle.
“I think everyone had a huge impact,” the Montreal native said. “Yeah, the two big saves were great, but we still lost the game, unfortunately. So we’re trying to come back from this.”
Even though Proulx spotted the negatives, including the most important one: the loss. It should not distract from the fact she kept her team in the game from first to final whistle. In just one game played, Proulx’s performance was good enough to be currently tied for third in the Atlantic Coast Conference in saves.
With two consecutive road matchups at Louisville on Thursday and Notre Dame on Sunday, they are happy to have plenty of time to regroup and prepare for two teams that gave them fits last year.
“We had two weeks between Pitt and going on the road,” Proulx said. “So, we have had a lot more time to prepare and adjust what we have wanted to adjust. The outcome is going to be different.”
Orange fans are sure looking for a different result. Last year, the Cardinals pounded Orange. 3-0, at home, as did the Irish out in South Bend. When I asked Proulx about this year’s matchups, she knows both Louisville and Notre Dame will be served with different looks.
“We have a much different team than we did last year,” the goalkeeper said. “There have been a lot of new players who are making a huge impact on the team and bringing a lot of experience as well, so it is going to be much different than last year.”
When mentioning the new players that have made an impact, she is shining a light on a few of her teammates, especially two of her international ones. Starting with defenders, one that comes to mind is Alina Miagkova. Even though the Russian native’s minutes were limited, her ability to cover the field was spectacular.
Another player that comes to mind resides on the other side of the pitch, in forward Hannah Pilley. The New Zealand native had the closest opportunity for the Orange in their last match. She had a shot in the box that went off the crossbar early in the second half.
Whether it be the Canadian, the Russian, or the New Zealander, this Orange team is looking to make an even bigger impact, especially in the eyes of their goalkeeper, and backbone, Lysianne Proulx. She and the rest of the Orange are back in action on Thursday at Louisville. Kickoff is set for 4:00. The road trip doesn’t stop there. Kickoff for Notre Dame is set for noon on Sunday.
dwredfie@syr.edu | @Trey_Redfield
