The Mountaineers women's soccer team enters the 2021-2022 season under the guidance of first-year head coach Paul Giannini. With a strong incoming freshman class and a couple veterans returning from the 2019-2020 season, the women's soccer team is looking to make some noise this year.
Under the new format, due to COVID-19, the Mountaineers are one of four teams that will make up the OCAA South Division. The regular season will consist of six total games, a home-and-home series with the Sheridan Bruins, Niagara Knights and Redeemer Royals.
With the majority of the roster entering their first college season, third-year midfielder Sam Mathieu says the coaching staff has done a great job of rebuilding the roster and putting them in position to compete this season.
"After losing the bulk of our team from 2019-2020, it was a little stressful thinking of rebuilding an entire team, but the coaches have done an amazing job recruiting skilled players that will allow us to have a great season," says Mathieu. "The coaches from the very start have been a great fit and between their knowledge and the players skills, it's a great combination that will lead us to success."
Mathieu's freshman season in 2019-2020 saw the team close out the year with a 5-3-1 record, finishing just one point shy of a postseason birth. Sabrina Cianciosi was another big part of that team and the pair will be looked upon as the leaders of the team this season.
Although the team lacks in OCAA experience, coach Giannini says a strong recruiting class has left the club with minimal holes. It's a well-rounded team that will look to beat opponents multiple different ways.
"We have two very good goalies and our backline is solid and steady. It's a strong group of midfielders and strikers as well. Our coaching staff is excited about the group of players we've assembled as it's a great mix of talent and grit," says Giannini. "We've added some key players in key positions and we trust our recruits will have a big impact this year."
The team got their first look at the new squad last week in an exhibition affair against the Humber Hawks as the Mountaineers returned to action for the first time in 18 months.
It was hard fought match that saw the Mountaineers trailing 3-0 to the CCAA National Championship hosts through the first half. The women turned it on in the second half with a goal from Ryenn Jans. The Mountaineers controlled the final frame but ultimately came out with a 3-1 loss.
The final test ahead of the August 18th season opener comes Saturday with the Brock Badgers in town for an exhibition matchup at Redeemer University. Kick-off is at 2:00 p.m.
