BY SCOTT HUNTER HADDOW
In the time it takes one of her opponents to
blink, Sudbury Canadians rookie striker Jenna Roach has roared
past them in a blur and taken a shot on net. Her swift legs are
dangerous, two-fold weapons.
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Jenna Roach, 17, is considered one
of the fastest strikers in the United Soccer League.
This season she has blasted four goals and assisted on
three others. The Canadians play the Ottawa Fury
Saturday at the Cambrian College Field at 7:30
pm. |
First, they generate blazing speed, which
Roach uses to blow by hapless defenders. Second, Roach can
launch deadly accurate shots, capable of beating even the most
stingiest of goalies, from both feet.
Roach, 17, is using her talents to make noise
in her rookie season with Canadians, as they compete in the
United Soccer League (USL) - W-League.
Already, Roach has blasted four goals and
assisted on three others.
"It's been good, tough competition for me,"
said Roach about her exploits. "It's also been fun. The hard
competition makes me try harder and gets my spirits up."
Roach's performance so far has helped the
Canadians win two games this season, which doubled the win
total from the franchise last year.
Being one of the youngest girls on one of the
youngest teams in the W - League, Roach had an easy transition
into the Canadians' line-up because she has been with the
Canadians program for the last eight years.
"I have worked with these girls since I was
young, so it's easy to pass the ball to them and work with
them," said Roach. "They know where I am going to be, and I
know where they are going to be. When I was younger, I would
always go to the Canadians' summer programs and camps."
Roach will be a foundation block for the
Canadians in the future. "At 17, Jenna is one of the fastest
strikers in the USL, and can launch a missile from either
foot," said Canadians head coach Frank Malvaso. "We're just
happy to have her and know that she will be a cornerstone for
the team for
many years to come. She is a player to watch
now and for years to come."
Roach is an ideal offensive player. "Jenna is
hard working and fast," said Malvaso. "Jenna has a very good
first touch combined with speed and a good shooting ability.
She may not be one of the biggest players on the field, but she
plays like a giant."
Roach knows the true importance of her job,
which is to score goals. Roach must capitalize on rare
opportunities and make no mistake as her
teammates count on her, among others, to lead
the offensive charge.
"I don't feel any pressure," said Roach about
the responsibility of being a striker. "I have been playing
that position so long that I am used to it.
Besides, I like being a striker. One of my
best skills is that I can always get past the other team's
defence. I sprint by them and get the ball. You have to win
possession of the ball, then you can score."
Roach didn't really set any personal goals,
as she wanted to help the team achieve success. "I just wanted
to help the team surpass last year's record of one win," said
Roach, who has met that goal, as the Canadians won their second
game of the 2005 season with a 5-2 blasting of Rochester, in
which Roach tallied two goals. "My goals are team
oriented."
Roach and the rest of the Canadians' squad
will be in action this upcoming weekend. The Canadians square
off against the Ottawa Fury, Saturday,
July 16. Game time at the Cambrian College
Field is 7:30 pm.
