By Mia Ines
 
The Lancer soccer program kicks off the 2022 OUA season this Friday at home.
 
Women's Season Preview
As the new season ramps up again, the Lancer women's soccer team is buzzing with excitement to get back on the field.
 
"The mix of new faces, new challenges, and higher expectations is always super motivating, and we are excited to be back at it," says head coach Daniel Mendonca.
 
Despite the leave of some senior players this year, Mendonca has no doubt the handful of new recruits and returning players will bring the heat and be a challenging opponent to face. "We definitely will miss some of our graduating seniors on and off the field, but our core values are strong and our new leaders are fitting into their roles nicely," explains Mendonca. "We have a great mix of old and young this year to bring us stability and experience, but also youthful exuberance. Each player is pushing their teammate to new standards everyday." 
 
Mendonca describes the return of some core players who missed last season due to injury has been an injection of energy for the group. For example, Haley Smith and Grace Melick both provide depth and experience in our midfield and defense, which is a great balance with our returning athletes," explains Mendonca. "Fans can be excited at our brand of soccer as we aim to reach our goals through entertaining the style of the game. We return an experienced group of attackers in Kailyn Robertson, Alexa Mognon, Aislynn Essibrah and Emma Miner who we are optimistic will be menacing for opposing defenses."
 
With a strong group of individuals, they are capable of achieving some exciting things brewing this season and may even surprise themselves. Mendonca believes he has very talented players and only hopes to help evolve their mentality and get 30 athletes on the same page of working towards a common goal. To win the OUA is hard and it takes courage and bravery. However, the team demonstrates their potential in reaching the highest level in OUA athletics as long as they continue to show up to practice and put their full energy into reaching that goal.
 
"When fans come see us play, they can expect us to compete to the end and play and entertaining style of soccer," states Mendonca. "Our goal is to bring the women's soccer community together around a successful university program and get everyone to be proud of the team they support. We look forward to surprising the OUA this season and returning Windsor Lancer soccer as a threat in the OUA West."
 
Men's Season Preview
With their first game of the season up ahead, the Lancer men's soccer team is more than thrilled to have a regular schedule back and see how far they've come along this past year. In prepping during such a short spring season, the coaching staff and players are ready to hit the pitch. 
 
Head coach Ryan Mendonca discusses how good it feels to be back on the field. "This family of young men have been through it all; from the lost pandemic year, an uncertain shortened season and an interrupted spring," explains Mendonca. "But now, to be back pushing each other, learning about one another, striving forward together is what we are here to do."
 
The blue and gold know one of their strength's comes from the strong bonds formed between each player, not only as athletes but as people first. Thus Mendonca is certain a lot of their success will be a result from their love for one another and the willingness to go the extra mile in times of the greatest stress and adversity. He states, "that is what it is about: love and sacrifice."
 
The squad welcomes many young returning players and recruits that are ready to jump in. "Gianfranco Facchineri who is a homegrown signing of the Vancouver Whitecaps and Canadian Youth National Team Captain at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil," continued Mendonca. "He is a born leader and tenacious competitor and his experience in the professional and international scene that he brings to the field raises the level of those around him. Moving up the field, the Vacratsis cousins, Evan and Otis, along with American Robbie Oates anchor the centre of our midfield and drive the game forward for us. Even though they are only entering their second season on field, they play with a maturity level and experience in their game." 
 
On the other side, newcomers are expected to make an immediate impact. "Matteo Nepszy will be rock solid in our backline and Noah Branco is looking dangerous in all areas of attack, we that should be an exciting to watch them debut in the OUA," explains Mendonca. "Another attacking addition that we are excited about is Devin Dillion-Hernandez, coming over from Vardar MLS NEXT Academy in Michigan. He is tenacious in every training session and keeps looking better and better each day. We are very excited to see him make his mark this season and in the future."
 
Coach Mendonca alongside his team of coaching staff are looking forward to how the group takes their understanding of the game and practice from training and observe how they apply those skills into competition. "The focus has been to develop a group understanding of who we are and how we play in all moments of the game," explains Mendonca. "With a young group that has so many new pieces, it is essential that we are all on the same page as quick as possible to be as effective and efficient in what we want to achieve. The season is short and we have to be decisive and confident about our identify as a team on the field." 
 
More than trying to win on the field and qualify for playoffs, there is an emphasis on getting these young men outside of their comfort zone and realizing their potential. There are lessons of life through competition, success, failure, adversity, and all the variables that face us in sport. Winning will come from putting in the work and being the best versions of themselves off the field. As Mendonca puts it, "these young men are humble and hungry and are ready to take on the OUA season."
 
Game & Ticket Information
The Lancer soccer programs hit the pitch for the first time on Friday, September 2nd at Alumni Stadium against the York Lions. The women kick off the action at 6:00pm, followed by the men at 8:15pm.  Tickets are available at the gate or in advance at goLancers.ca/tickets.