The Lancer soccer program hits the pitch for the first time in almost two years on Wednesday when they host the Guelph Gryphons at Alumni Field.
 
GAME DETAILS
What: Soccer vs Guelph Gryphons
Date: September 22, 2021
Time: Women at 5:00pm, Men at 7:15pm
Location: Alumni Field
Watch: oua.tv
Tickets: Available at the gate starting at 4:00pm
 
COVID-19 SCREENING PROTOCOLS
University policy requires that all spectators for Lancer varsity games must be fully vaccinated to enter our facilities. No partially vaccinated or exemptions will be permitted.
 
All spectators must provide valid photo identification, download and complete the Safe Lancer App, have their approved QR Code scanned, and also provide proof of vaccination at the gate to be granted entry.
 
The Safe Lancer App can be found in the iStore or Google Play app. Lancer event staff will also be available to assist fans as required.
 
LANCER WOMEN'S SOCCER SEASON PREVIEW
By Mia Ines
 
The Lancer women's soccer team is looking forward to the 2021 season. They have been training during the long-off season and are looking to make a mark this year in the OUA.
 
"The squad is excited. It feels a bit like Christmas morning having waited 693 days from our last competition in the OUA," said head coach Daniel Mendonca. "It has got the fire and excitement burning in our student-athletes and staff."
 
With nearly two years since having a season due to the covid-19 pandemic, the Lancers have set their eyes to making the playoffs. Even with a young team, coach Mendonca believes the athletes who recently graduated left a trail for the newcomers to become successful.
 
This year with such a new roster, the blue and gold's preparation of getting back into the routine has been crucial, yet there have been key leaders who are willing to help the Lancer talents adapt. "We are lucky to have our longstanding leader and captain, 4th year midfielder Jade Samping return this year along with Lauren Gellner who will backstop us in net this year," Mendonca continued. "The new additions; Brooke Macleod, Emma Beaulieu, Kat Campana, and Kailyn Robertson, look to join upcoming leaders such as Liz Elliott. We feel our young group is defined in our goal and in a long-term process towards achieving our goals."
 
Coach Mendonca is excited to be back playing on the field and as he says the environment continues to improve, the team feels confident they will find success.
 
"The team has built a foundation of motivation around our core values, positivity, respect, accountability, hard work, confidence and self-awareness," explains Mendonca. "It has kept us grounded and focused the past two years. We are a roster built around family, and together we believe we can continue our growth to be successful. We feel good about the season."
 
LANCER MEN'S SOCCER SEASON PREVIEW
By Frankie Fountain
 
With their first game in two years on Wednesday, head coach Ryan Mendonca says the locker room is "buzzing" with excitement at the chance to get back onto the pitch in front of friends, alumni, and family. "Me and the players are excited to get a chance to play as a team again."
 
Mendonca, who is entering his fourth year as head coach of the blue and gold, embraced the pandemic and did his best to keep team morale and chemistry high. "Like everyone else, we just started out with ZOOM calls to keep everyone in contact with each other. We also had individual sessions with players to get through the times." The team practiced when lockdowns were lifted and did community work including the 4x4x48 challenge. "We participated in fundraisers this past summer because being involved in our community is important."
 
"Understanding the loops and hoops of the COVID protocol was the most difficult part of this process," continued Mendonca about the safety protocols in place. "Keeping everyone safe - the players, the coaches, the officials, and the fans - is why the protocols are in place, so although they are tough, they are necessary."
 
Lancer fans have a lot to be excited about for the upcoming season as coach Mendonca sees high potential in his players. "Tanner Price is lighting in a bottle," Mendonca exclaimed. "Another strength of our team is our backline. CB Kyle Buren and RB Nathan Clemmings are veteran players to keep an eye on this year."
 
The squad also features twelve recruits that committed to Windsor in 2020. These recruits come from all over Ontario, as well as two recruits crossing the border from Michigan. "Departures were luckily limited over the pandemic. But the players that did leave were impact players. Our recruiting class brings talent from both sides of the border, with athletes that can have an impact from day one."
 
Mendonca, a Windsor native, views this upcoming season in two parts, the first four games and the last six. "The first four games of the season are where we get to know each other again as a team. These games are going to define roles and show where players fit. Then, after Thanksgiving, the last six games of the season we are going to have our identity defined."
 
 
After two years of waiting, the Lancer soccer programs are eager to get back on the field and show the OUA what they can do. Don't miss out on the action and join us on Wednesday at Alumni Stadium. The gates open at 4:00pm, and fans are asked to keep a 15 minute window in mind for covid safety screening when they arrive.