By Celina Seguin
 
The Windsor Lancer soccer teams are looking to hit the season running as they kick off with back-to-back matches against the Algoma Thunderbirds on September 2nd and 3rd at 1:00pm (W) and 3:15 pm (M).
 
Following the doubleheader in Sault Ste Marie, the blue and gold will return to Alumni Field for their home opener on September 9th at 1:00pm (W) and 3:15pm (M). The Lancers will hit the home pitch for a battle against the York Lions, who were seeded first (M) and second (W) in OUA West entering playoffs last season.
 
In total, the 2023 fall schedule sees the men and women taking on 8 opponents in a series of 12 matches.
 
Both teams enter the season with a clear focus on the path to playoffs. On the men's side, interim head coach Demetri Vacratsis detailed the teams' target of making their first playoff run since 2019, while also creating an atmosphere that allows them to express their passion for the game. For the women, head coach Daniel Mendonca outlined their goal to build on their recent return to playoffs for the first time since 2016 and take the next step in the winning process on the pitch this season.
 
"We do know that we have an uphill climb ahead of us," said Vacratsis. "The players are excited and eager though. There's been a great buzz around camp this season and it has shown in their performances."
 
Some veterans for the blue and gold that will be key in building on last year's performance include former Vancouver Whitecap defender Frankie Facchineri, midfielder Evan Vacratsis, captain Robbie Oates, midfielder Otis Vacratsis, and OUA all-star Devin Hernandez.
Entering the season with a younger squad, made up of 19 freshmen and sophomores, the men will be especially looking to rookies Skyler Pinnock, Chris Abdo, and transfer goalkeeper Simon Grande to make an immediate impact on the field.
 
"The players are excited and eager," said Vacratsis. "They've been getting to sessions early and putting in some extra work, and the relationship between coaching staff and players has been positive all around. It's been a really good experience and I hope it shows in our matches this fall."
 
The women also have young talent ready to step into their roles this season. With the loss of Nicole Hogeterp in the backline, the team is looking to fill the void with the leadership of Claire Pozzi and transfer Abby Kryk. Mendonca was also enthusiastic about next steps of Vanessa Corry, Sydney Warwick, Haley Issel, and Olivia Corazza in a team with a strength-in-numbers environment. In one word, "competitive" is how Mendonca described his expectations for the season.
 
Where the Lancer family extends far beyond the lines of the field, coaches commonly emphasized community as a cornerstone of their program's success. Community support is a great motivation, of which Vacratsis said the team has had a "summer with an outpouring of best wishes." That said, this year Mendonca voiced that fans can also expect Lancer soccer to support the Windsor soccer community with 'club days' designed to fill the stands with youth athletes. The team is looking forward to "inspiring young girls to strive to be their best selves on and off the field."
 
Looking to catch the Lancers in action? Join us at Alumni Stadium for all home games with tickets for purchase here or tune into OUA.tv to view the game on the livestream.