DePaul University Athletics
Gorden Adjusting to Pro Soccer's Steep Learning Curve
6/2/2016 12:00:00 AM | WOMEN'S SOCCER
CHICAGO - Speed has always been a big part of Sarah Gorden's game, and the DePaul graduate's pro soccer career got off to a fast start.
"I got into my first game in our season-opener against Houston and got to play 10 minutes," Gorden said about her National Women's Soccer League debut with the Chicago Red Stars in April. "This has been my dream, and it's been great.
"I wake up every morning and get to play soccer. I have so much more to do and accomplish in my career. It's up to me to keep learning about the game and evolving."
In Gorden's rookie season, the Red Stars have started out 4-1-2 with wins over Western New York, Orlando Boston and Seattle, ties against Kansas City and Sky Blue FC and a loss at Houston. They are atop the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) standings.
The All-BIG EAST defender is making adjustments at the next level after making history on Jan. 15 as the first Blue Demon women's soccer player to ever be selected in the NWSL College Draft. The Red Stars play their home games at Toyota Park in southwest suburban Bridgeview.
Gorden was chosen by the Red Stars with the second pick of the third round, the 22nd overall selection, and then secured a spot on the roster after excelling in training camp.
"It's been good but really hard," Gorden said. "We train five-to-six times a week, and this is the most work I've ever experienced in soccer.
"The speed of the game at this level is so much faster. You're going against all the best college soccer players together and it was kind of a shock at first.
"It took a while to get into playing shape. Once my DePaul season was over, I wasn't training with the DePaul team---just doing individual workouts. At the pro level, everyone's decisions are so quick, the ball moves fast and everyone is good with the ball."
The multi-talented Gorden who also ran track at DePaul would dominate on the pitch because of her athleticism and speed.
"Physically, I'm realizing I really am small compared to a lot of pro players," Gorden said. "I can still run down people with my speed, but at this level they are more physical and can hold me off.
"After playing center back at DePaul, the Red Stars see me as an outside back. They want me going up and down the flank, sending crosses on offense and running back to defend the flank. I get to do more attacking."
Gorden's pro career became a little more focused after a recent practice in which she played quite well attacking from the flank.
"That's what I want, for you to play like that." coach Rory Dames told her. "That makes it easier to get you into a game. Keep it up."
Not being a fixture in the starting lineup is a whole new experience.
"I have to be patient with myself," Gorden said. "A lot of these great players have experience I don't have and they are peaking as soccer players. I'm just starting out and have a lot of potential.
"I'm beginning to understand my role. It's like my athleticism is more of an asset now. In college, I used it for other things. I do extra work after practices working on my passing and long balls."
DePaul coach Erin Chastain knows all about the determination of her former player.
"It's nice to see Sarah accomplish the first part of her dream by getting drafted," Chastain said. "Now she has to continue achieving her goals at the pro level. She wants to earn a starting spot and play quality minutes.
"Being drafted was a wonderful accomplishment, but that didn't mean she automatically made the team. She had to demonstrate her ability in training camp to make the final roster.
"It was really exciting when she made the roster and saw her first action against the Houston Dash. Teams in the NWSL draft a lot of players, but there aren't many openings on their rosters."
Gorden is joined on the Red Stars' roster by two other draft picks and college standouts, Katie Naughton from Notre Dame and Courtney Raetzman from Kentucky.
"Us three rookies all hang out together," Gorden said. "We pick each other up and look to maintain our enthusiasm."
Gorden's pro career has provided quite a lift for the Blue Demon program.
"This is huge for DePaul women's soccer and for the entire BIG EAST Conference," Chastain said. "Sarah and Rachel Daly from St. John's can come into the NWSL and show everyone our conference has quality players who can compete at the next level.
"When I talk to recruits, I can point out we have a Blue Demon in the pros and how our program helps a player reach her potential. We love continuing to add program firsts even as we set the bar higher and again look to achieve something new.
We have won our first BIG EAST regular-season and tournament titles, made our first back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances and have attained our highest national ranking. Now, we have our first player drafted and playing in the NWSL.
"Our recruits can see the direction our program is heading and that we keep setting our goals even higher every year."
Chastain continues to provide motivation for her all-conference defender
"I still text Erin and the coaches," Gorden said. "Whenever I was upset or feeling down during my days at DePaul, they always picked me up and kept me going. It was like a roller coaster at DePaul and what I went through dealing with adversity.
"It's been different with the Red Stars not playing as much as I did in college. I've never been in this position before. I'm trying to find my role on the Red Stars, and Erin has been encouraging me to be persistent and keep going."
