Finishing in sixth last season and reaching a berth of the California Collegiate Athletic Association conference tournament, women’s soccer looks forward to building the momentum.
“This group is going to set some lofty goals for themselves. The target is to always get into the conference tournament but they would do one better and be in the top three or win the conference. They seem like a confident group,” said Coach Jay Mason.
The Broncos have made the CCAA conference the past two seasons. Looking to build off their success from the last couple seasons, the ultimate goal for the team is to make it to NCAA Division II tournament.
The Broncos are returning senior defensive back Natalie Di Angelo, who received second-team CCAA honors last season.
Di Angelo started all of the Broncos 18 games last season while contributing with two goals from her 13 shots taken.
After losing top goal scorer Daisy Duran to graduation, the Broncos will have their second top scorer in Amanda Duran, returning for her junior season. Duran received honorable mention honors last season, scoring five goals and contributing with three assists. Duran started in 15 of the 16 games that she played in.
“We expect them to be big pieces to our team on the field and also in leadership roles. They will be solid players for us and help bring the younger players together and help them along the way,” said Mason.
The Bronco midfield will be solidified with experience as seniors Kalin Tomlinson and Aline Graham are returning. Graham played in 13 games last season as she started in eight of those games. Tomlinson played in a total of 17 games last season while also scoring a goal.
The Broncos finished in fifth in CCAA in goals allowed making them one of the top defensive teams in the conference. To go along with their imposing defense, the Broncos also ranked fifth in goals scored. The Broncos allowed 17 goals throughout the season while scoring 24 of their own.
“We are going to be an aggressive team that likes to have the ball. We have to be smart on our moments when we go after teams,” said Mason. “Defensively, we have to be physical and organized and have that fight in us. Our challenge is to make sure everyone plays together and fight together as a hull.”
Senior forward Sydney Yates missed last season with a torn ACL. Looking to make a bounce-back season, Yates, unfortunately, tore her ACL once again. Yates earned second-team All-CCAA her freshman year and ranked second on the team in goals.
Women’s soccer opens up the season against Seattle Pacific.
Although the absence of Yates will be missed, her absence will make an opportunity for younger players to come in and get playing time.
The Broncos start their season in Seattle, as they take on Seattle Pacific on Thursday and Simon Fraser on Saturday night.
