The 2013 OUA soccer season gets underway this weekend as the Windsor Lancers soccer program hosts the York Lions on Saturday afternoon on Alumni Field. 

After an intense training camp and pre-season, the Lancer men are excited to start what looks like a promising year. After posting a 7-6-3 record in 2012 the Lancers will look to improve on those numbers. 

With a strong incoming class led by transfers Derrick Amankwa, Chris Suta, and Will Al-Youseff, head coach Steve Hart believes they are capabable of improving on last year's fourth place finish.  


"We have some exciting talent on the roster this season," said Hart. "We performed extremely well in our recent pre-season win over Toronto, giving a very mature and organized performance, and I am confident we can have a successful year."
 
The key to the Lancers success this season will be the contribution of captain Patrick Ten Eyck, as the 3rd year mid fielder brings a great deal of strength and leadership both on and off the field.  Along with Ten Eyck, the Lancers will depend on all-star Mike Pio and second year midfielder Jack Sargent to help build the foundation of the team alongside goalkeer Dejo Olagbegi and newcomers Leshorn Henry-Woods and Suta.
 
Meanwhile, the Lancer women's program is looking to improve after a disappointing 2012 season. With the addition of transfer Laura Lecce and Cara Cirovski, the Lancers will look to enhance their performance on the pitch.

"I believe Laura and Cara will have an immediate impact on our game," said head coach Angelo Verardi. "I look forward to seeing them play in the OUA and how they mesh with our veterans."

In addition to Lecce and Cirovski, the Lancer women will rely heavily on returning veterans Mia Cuffaro and Tania Mills to anchor the back. With these key contributors, along with Bella Riccardi, Jaclyn Faraci, and Kristen McMahon in the mid field, and Tara Bernard-Rae in net, the Lancers will prove to be a difficult challenge to anyone in the league.
 
The Lancers 2013 season kicks off on Saturday afternoon on Alumni Field as the women take on the Lions at 1:00pm, followed by the men at 3:15pm. Windsor will then travel to London to play the Mustangs on Sunday afternoon.
 
Windsor will open then return home for a pair of doubleheaders on Saturday September 7^th against the Laurier Golden Hawks and the UOIT Ridgebacks on Sunday September 8^th. The women will play at 1:00pm and the men at 3:15pm on both days at Alumni Field.