hilma svalander kick

Soccer Kaylie Noll | LRTrojans.com

Little Rock Soccer 2020: Meet the Goalkeepers

LITTLE ROCK - The final group of Trojans is the most specialized position and arguably the most difficult: the goalkeepers. Assistant coach and keeper specialist Audra Larson has brought together a youthful but strong squad to bolster Little Rock between the posts this season, steadily improving upon an area of the team that the Trojans have had recent success with in the past few seasons.

“I'm really excited about the group of goalkeepers we have this year,” said Larson. “Coach Foster and I have been looking to add depth to the goalkeeper position since we came to Little Rock and we are thrilled to have four quality keepers on our roster this year. Each one of these ladies has worked hard these past few weeks and they have pushed each other in training. With the depth we have in the goalkeeping position this year, we have been able to create a really competitive training environment.”

Hilma Svalander gloves
Junior goalkeeper Hilma Svalander

Hilma Svalander is the sole true upperclassman, bringing wisdom and leadership skills to the younger Trojan goalies. The junior recently received the Outstanding Junior Award for an independent study project within the Information Science department, showing her prowess in the classroom as well.

“For me, it’s always about bringing 100% effort and focus, both on and off the field,” said Svalander. “Already the atmosphere is great and there is a very positive energy within our team. There’s good competition that makes us all better each practice. We’re very excited to be back and get going with the season.”

Julia Curatolo will also provide guidance to the keepers. A redshirt sophomore, she was the final piece of a strong defense that registered eight clean sheets and a program-record six ties in 2019. Curatolo has already made her mark on the Little Rock record book, ranking among the best of the best in Trojan history in goals-against average, save percentage, shutouts and minutes.

The newest members of the squad are transfer Emily Samisch, a sophomore who joined Little Rock this spring, and incoming freshman Saskia Wagner, both of which will be eager to pull on the gloves and step into the box. Samisch spent a semester at Mississippi State, where she was initially recruited for her success in high school, finishing as state runners-up twice and posting school records for career shutouts and her goals against average. Wagner brings international goalkeeper experience to the Little Rock Trojans, playing at a high standard in Germany.

Julia Curatolo
Julia Curatolo
Emily Samisch
Emily Samisch
Saskia Wagner
Saskia Wagner

In case you missed it, meet the back line here, meet the midfielders here, meet the forwards here, and mark your calendar for Little Rock's return to the field on Thursday, September 10 at Central Arkansas, with a 7:00 p.m. kickoff. Also be sure to show up to the first Little Rock Trojans home game of the season on Friday, September 18 at the Coleman Sports Complex, beginning at 7:00 p.m.

For the latest information on Little Rock Soccer, make sure to check out LRTrojans.com. You can also find the team on social media at @LittleRockSOC on FacebookInstagram and Twitter.

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