FC Davis women navigate shorthanded roster

By Henry Krueger Enterprise correspondent

FC Davis women’s soccer head coach Zach Sullivan has learned to embrace the unpredictability that comes with managing a semi-professional summer soccer team.

It’s a miracle when the Lionesses get to play with a full squad, considering players are forced to balance their team commitment with college schedules and other plans.

“We’ve had so many different players playing for us,” Sullivan said. “Some are still in college, some are going home for the summer, some are just coming back to Davis for the summer. Not having a core group that plays every game has been the biggest hurdle.”

FC Davis (2-2-1) has relied on its depth to overcome an ever-changing roster, as seven different players have tallied at least one goal across five games this season. Two of those goals came during the team’s 2-2 tie against the Fresno Freeze (4-0-2) on Saturday.

Forward Baylie Jackson and midfielder Miranda DiazCasarrubias each scored against the Freeze, whose fourgame winning streak was snapped. Fresno remains the first-place team in the Pacific North Conference standings.

While tying the Freeze boosts FC Davis’ resume, the club faces another tough test today when it plays the California Storm (2-1-0).

The match is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Davis Legacy Soccer Complex.

After winning the WSPL national title last season, the Storm opened the summer by winning two of their first three games, including a 10-0 victory over the Diablo Valley Wolves on Saturday.

Meanwhile, California is also competing in the USL W League, where the team has a 5-2-0 record.

With a pool of players large enough for two teams, Sullivan anticipates his squad will be outnumbered.