Here’s a not-quite-hypothetical for you: You’re the coach of a collegiate women’s soccer team, and the majority of your players are preparing for their first NCAA Tournament appearance. You’re in the Twin Cities getting ready for the game. What do you do to get their minds of the matchup with the Minnesota Gophers? Go shopping!
We caught up with Creighton Bluejays head coach Bruce Erickson as the team van headed toward the Mall of America, just days before CU returned to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2007.
Creighton earned the MVC automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament
White & Blue Review: Your team drew Minnesota in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. Can you tell us a bit about the Gophers?
Bruce Erickson: Well, I am actually watching a bit of film on them in the van right now. They are a good team and will probably be the best team we play this season. They have a very good attack and we will need our defense to step up a bit against them.
WBR: Do you see any adjustments in your game plan heading into tonight?
BE: I think the emphasis will be on us. We need to play our game and take our opportunities when they come. With Minnesota’s more offensive style of play, we could hopefully see some opportunities on the counter.
WBR: How is the health of the team coming into this match?
BE: Right now, Brittney [Neumann] is our only big injury. If I was a football coach, I would probably list her as doubtful.
Brittney Neumann, Valley Player of the Year, is hurt heading into the NCAA Tournament (WBR/Adam Streur)
WBR: Are you happy with the team’s seeding in the tournament?
BE: I think that if we can take care of business tonight, we should be in pretty good shape to win a few more games.