The 2010 OUA soccer season gets underway this weekend as the Windsor Lancers soccer program heads to Guelph to take on the Gryphon's on Saturday afternoon.
After an excellent 3-1 record in the preseason, the Lancer men are excited to start what looks like a promising year. After posting an 8-1-5 record in 2009 the Lancers will look to improve on those numbers.
With a strong recruiting class led by Thaddeus Bolton, Reinaldo Caetano, and Chris Lanni, 2009 OUA Coach of the Year Steve Hart believes they are capabable of improving on last year's second place finish.
“We have some exciting young talent getting ready for their first taste of soccer at this level,” said Hart. “I'm confident we can have a successful year.”
The key to the Lancers success this season will be the contribution of captain Darrin Dielemans, as the 5th year mid fielder brings a great deal of strength and leadership both on and off the field. Along with Dielemans, the Lancers will depend on second year defender Arlo Hemkes who was the centre piece in the league's third best defense in 2009.
Meanwhile, the Lancer women's program is reeling after their 4-0 preseason. With the return of 4th year goal keeper Rebecca Singer who was injured in the first game off the 2009 calendar, the Lancers will look to make a push for the top this season.
“I look forward to the upcoming year ,” said head coach Angelo Verardi. “We have made great improvements in all aspects of our game over the last two years and I look forward to returning to the post season.”
If that is to be a reality this fall, the Lancer women will rely heavily on returning veterans Amy Blencowe, Sara Kox and April LeClaire to anchor the back four. With these key contributors, along with Mereasa Brownlie and Tiffany Phillips in the mid field, the Lancers will prove to be a difficult challenge to anyone in the league.
The Lancers 2010 season kicks off on Saturday afternoon in Guelph as the women take on the Gryphons at 1:00pm, followed by the men at 3:15pm. Windsor will then travel to Hamilton to play the Marauders on Sunday afternoon.
Windsor will open the home portion of their season on Saturday September 11th, as they host the York Lions at 1:00 and 3:15pm on Alumni Field.
