This past week, the Hopkins women’s soccer team continued its dominance over all competition with three enormous Centennial Conference wins over Haverford, Dickinson and Bryn Mawr. Winning the three games by a combined score of 11-0 and stretching their record to 14-2 overall (with an undefeated 9-0 in-conference record), the Lady Jays extended a 13-game winning streak. One of the main catalysts for this high octane Lady Jay attack is forward Sydney Teng.
Teng, a senior from Fairport, N.Y., scored a total of three goals over the three games, continuing her excellent season as a finisher for the Lady Jays. Teng scored the game-winning goal in the 63rd minute on an 18-yard, near post strike in a home win versus in-conference foe Haverford.
Teng continued to put pressure on opposing keepers in a runaway 5-0 Blue Jay victory versus a very competitive Dickinson College squad (10-2-1 at the time) four days later. She attempted two shots, and though neither found the back of the net, the Red Devils accounted for her on-field presence.
In the third and final in-conference game of the week against Bryn Mawr, Teng was the spark in another 5-0 Lady Jays blowout. Before the Owls could even acclimate themselves to the pace of play and quality of their opponent, Teng had already scored two goals (both unassisted) within the first five minutes of play.
Finally, the Lady Jays hit the ground running on Tuesday night in a game against the McDaniel Green Terror, in which three first half goals paved the way to a 3-1 victory. Teng generated an additional two shots on goal and was integral to the setup of the second goal of the game.
Because of her outstanding week, in addition to having one of the best seasons of her career, Teng has been named Athlete of the Week by The News-Letter. Teng currently sits at second place in the Centennial Conference for both goals scored and total points, making her even more deserving of the recognition.
We were able to sit down with the star forward and discuss her expectations as the team enters into the playoff portion of the season.
The News-Letter: After starting the season 2-2, what flipped the switch for the team to get on this 13-game winning streak?
Sydney Teng: We had a tough schedule to begin with, but we were prepared for that and did not want to use that as an excuse for poor performances or unfavorable outcomes. So even though we started out 2-2, we didn't drastically change our game plan or mental attitude. If anything, I would cite our shortened preseason to explain some bumps in the opening few games, but by the same token, we were able to defeat some strong nationally ranked teams during this time as well.
N-L: After such a dominant season and an early clinch of a Centennial Conference playoff berth, what has your source of motivation been game after game?
ST: We take every game one game at a time. We have high expectations of ourselves to be a top national program, and with that we realize that that means other teams are looking at us and thinking about what it would mean for their ranking if they could pull off the upset. Every time we step on the field, we know there is another team out there, and they are going to play their best game to try and beat us. That being said, we also use each game to prove why we deserve that recognition, the ranking and so on.
N-L: Dickinson is one of the best teams in the Centennial Conference, and many people could have expected a closer final score. What did you personally, and the team as a whole, do to prepare and then execute that runaway win?
ST: Dickinson, up until our match, had not lost a game in conference, I believe. They were even getting votes to be nationally ranked in the top 25. Historically, they had been one of our big rivals and we knew that they were extremely confident coming into this year that they had a shot at title contention. Oddly enough, our team plays the best when we face a tough opponent, and we knew Dickinson was going to be a big game. When a team gets that excited to play you and thinks they already have you beat, you can't help but enthusiastically welcome the opportunity to prove them wrong.
N-L: What sparked your fast start, with two goals in a matter of minutes, versus Bryn Mawr?
ST: One of our team weaknesses is the opening five or 10 minutes. We have a tendency to need too much time to get in the flow of the game. So when chances arise early on, I know how key they can be in determining the rest of the game. Specifically in Bryn Mawr, I noticed that they were holding an extremely high defensive line on us, making the chipped ball over the top or the through ball on. On the first goal, [midfielder Ana Bengoechea] did a fantastic job of realizing my run and play a quick bouncing ball through so that I cleared the defense and had a one-on-one with the keeper. The second goal was much the same. I actually was not aware of the short amount of time between the two goals. I was more so focused on finishing the great chances that my team created for me.
N-L: What is a personal goal of yours for the playoffs?
ST: Like our season, I will take each game as they come. That being said, I've never been to Kansas City and I plan to cross that off my list this year.
Teng will lead the Lady Jays into battle when they face off against the Gettysburg Bullets on Nov. 1 at Homewood Field. The game marks the final match of the regular season and will serve as the perfect tuneup for the Lady Jays heading into postseason play.
