soccerNM.com

By Glen Rosales
soccerNM.com Editor

Although New Mexico State is currently operating with am interim head coach, the Aggies will go in their season fortified with a strong crop of new recruits.

NMSU mined talent-rich California for most of the freshmen-to-be, with five of the eight newcomers from the Golden State.

Two are local players; Amber Harrington and Katie Smith, both having prepped in Albuquerque with the eighth player hailing from Arizona.

Big things are expected from the locals, said interim coach Courtney Sobero.

“Amber is one of the toughest young soccer players I have ever seen," Sobero said of Harrington. "She competes every time she steps on the field. Her tenacity in the middle of the pack will add to the composition of our midfield. Most players become one dimensional when they bring the energy and passion that she brings, but she is able to be equally as effective on both sides of the ball. Her long distance shooting will add an exciting dimension to our attack.”

And Smith “is crafty and creative midfielder,” Sobrero said. “She has a great sense for the game and has the ability to break opponents down either off the dribble or with a well weighted pass. Katie is athletic, extremely technical and very unpredictable, which will make her a lot of fun to watch over the next several years.”

The pair were rivals in high school and in club, but are looking forward to donning the crimson as teammates.

The Aggies landed a couple of true goal scorers in Layla Todd and Jennae Cambra.

Cambra is proving this season that a major knee injury suffered during her junior year is well behind her.

“Jennae is a goal scorer," Sobrero said. She has the mentality to be very effective immediately. She has great pace and quickness and puts herself in dangerous places where her teammates can find her.”

Todd has already amassed more than 100 goals in her prep career, including a record 47 as a junior.

“Layla is another very athletic soccer player,” Sobrero said. “Other teams will need to respect her pace and that will open up opportunities for other players. She is selfish when she needs to be, but one of her best attributes is her willingness to share the ball and create for other people. She is a leader.”

When it comes to keeping the opponents from scoring, Alexys Brownell is very much in the picture.

Tough, strong and athletic, Brownell "will provide an excellent presence in the back for us,” Sobrero said. “She is athletic, has excellent size and has the technical ability to start our attack from the back.”

Likewise, Tarnyn Lathrop will be as force on the backline.

“She will bring great composure and pose to the game," the coach said. "I think she makes players around her very comfortable and relaxed in a game. She is a threat in the air, if she does not win the ball she is disturbing her opponent. I think she will be a great addition to our roster because her vision and soccer IQ will help us find success on the field."

In the midfield, Katelynn Tuppance and Bree Luhrsen should both make an impact quickly.

Tuppance's “energy is unmatched," Sobrero said. She is fearless and will run at the opposition all day long. She has a knack for scoring goals and will complement the other attacking players very well.”

And Luhrsen is an extremely versatile soccer player,” Sobrero added. “She is excellent in the air and is a tremendous competitor. Her technical ability and competitive nature will allow her to be very successful at New Mexico State.”