SASKATOON – One thing is clear for a University of Saskatchewan Huskie women's soccer team that is set to begin play this weekend, the goal is to attack.
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"Every year we have gotten closer to where we want to be as an attacking team that uses a lot of speed, with dynamic players that are very hard to defend against," said Huskie head coach
Jerson Barandica-Hamilton. "People come to watch games because they want to see goals, they want excitement and that's who we will be. Our mindset is to always go forward in attack."
Beginning the season on the friendly confines of Field 7 inside Nutrien Park against the Winnipeg Wesmen, Saturday Sept. 8 at noon, and the Manitoba Bisons, Sunday Sept. 9 at noon, will be a young Huskie roster that features 17 athletes in their first or second year of eligibility.
"It's a different dynamic this year, we have a much younger group, but it is an exciting and talented group," said Barandica-Hamilton. "We are very excited about the potential. We have worked hard over the winter and I think we are where we need to be to be a challenger again this year."
Last season the Huskies stormed their way to second place in the Prairie Division of Canada West soccer thanks to a 7-3-4 record put up by a veteran-laden roster.
"We had a really experienced lineup last year and we continued to elevate the level of our program in making sure that we reached the games that matter towards the end of October and beginning of November," said Barandica-Hamilton on the successes of last season.
With a number of the keys players from last season's roster now graduated from the program, the onus of leadership will fall upon the eight players left on the roster in their third or fourth years with the team.
"They know what to expect from the league and know exactly what a regular season game looks like, they need to be key leaders but at the same time we want our first years to come in and be influential players from day one," said Barandica-Hamilton.
Despite the roster turnover, key pieces in attack like
Taneil Gay and
Megan Ripplinger, who tied for second-place on the team with nine points apiece last season, will return, with both poised to continue their strong play from last season.
"We have a very locally based squad which has allowed us to start our process early," said Barandica-Hamilton. "We have a lot of players that bring a high level of technical ability, very dynamic players with a high creativity level."
Picked to finish sixth in the conference in the pre-season coaches poll, the Huskies are ready to rise to the challenge that a difficult Canada West conference slate presents.
"Canada West in general is extremely tough," said Barandica-Hamilton. "There are so many good programs with different styles of play. You could be playing a team that attacks down the wings on one day and then the next day you are playing a team that's more direct. Having the ability to adapt is key in this league."
New to Nutrien Park this year is the opportunity to take part in the brand new
Club 12 seating experience.
Club 12 Experience Package – Men's Only (6 Games)
Adult Sideline Experience $85.00
Youth Sideline Experience $60.00
