The Windsor Lancers women's soccer team is ready to hit the pitch for the 2018 season, which begins this weekend on the road. The Lancers suffered some tough knocks last season but are keeping their eyes forward to a promising 2018 season.
 
"Within the first two weeks we lost all the defenders and the goal keeper for the season," said head coach Steve Hart, explaining how a 2017 season with lofty expectations ended in a sub .500 season. Losing OUA all-star net minder Krystin Lawrence and OUA All-Star Abby Hunt certainly didn't help the Blue and Gold.
 
However with the new season just days away now, the Lancers' sights are firmly set on the 2018 season where the playoffs are the requirement to call a season a success according to coach Hart.
 
"To me, making playoffs is mandatory," explained Hart. "Success will be to get to the final four. The players deserved it last year, our record made us look worse than we were…I thought our players did a remarkable job gathering up with all the injuries. We have a fresh lot so we'll see what we can do."
 
This year, the Lancers boast more depth than last year. With the return of Hunt and a strong core of veterans including Keely Baggio, Paiten Stephens, and Jade Samping, coach Hart's expectations are set high. He has also added forward Kaylea Cunliffe from Bury, England to give the Lancers an extra punch up front.
 
Coach Hart has reason to be excited about this team he says as the team has a certain atmosphere around it this year.
 
"What's got us really pleased is the chemistry with this team," said Hart. "This year is an absolute great year for chemistry and were hoping any team that can gel off the field together hopefully can gel on the field."
 
The Lancers 2018 campaign starts Friday, Aug. 24 6:15 when the Lancers travel to Guelph to take on the Gryphons. You can catch the Lancers home opener Friday Aug. 31 at 6:00pm when they host the Brock Badgers.
 
AUG 24 (FRI) 6:15 PM 
AT GUELPH GRYPHONSGUELPH, ON
AUG 26 (SUN) 6:30 PM 
AT YORK LIONSTORONTO, ON
AUG 31 (FRI) 6:00PM 
VS BROCK BADGERSALUMNI FIELD
SEP 1 (SAT) 1:00PM 
VS MCMASTER MARAUDERSALUMNI FIELD
SEP 8 (SAT) 1:00 PM 
AT ALGOMA THUNDERBIRDSSAULT STE. MARIE, ON
SEP 9 (SUN) 1:00 PM 
AT ALGOMA THUNDERBIRDSSAULT STE. MARIE, ON
SEP 14 (FRI) 6:00PM 
VS LAURIER GOLDEN HAWKSALUMNI FIELD
SEP 16 (SUN) 1:00PM 
VS WATERLOO WARRIORSALUMNI FIELD
SEP 22 (SAT) 1:00 PM 
AT BROCK BADGERSST. CATHARINES, ON
SEP 23 (SUN) 1:00 PM 
AT MCMASTER MARAUDERSHAMILTON, ON
SEP 29 (SAT) 1:00 PM 
AT WATERLOO WARRIORSWATERLOO, ON
SEP 30 (SUN) 1:00 PM 
AT LAURIER GOLDEN HAWKSWATERLOO, ON
OCT 12 (FRI) 6:00PM 
VS WESTERN MUSTANGSALUMNI FIELD
OCT 14 (SUN) 12:00 PM 
AT WESTERN MUSTANGSLONDON, ON
OCT 19 (FRI) 6:00PM 
VS YORK LIONSALUMNI FIELD
OCT 21 (SUN) 1:00PM 
VS GUELPH GRYPHONS
ALUMNI FIELD