THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — The California Lutheran University women's soccer team is coming off an impressive spring, gaining cohesiveness and experience, and starts the 2021 season ranked No. 20 in the United Soccer Coaches Preseason Poll.
The Regals soccer program has been to the NCAA Tournament twice in the past three years. With 11 seniors leading the way, and plenty of returners coming back, the Purple and Gold are poised for another big run.
The season starts on Wednesday, Sept. 1, as the Regals host St. Catherine at 7 p.m. We talked with Head Coach Frank Marino about the upcoming season.
Last year, you were able to get a decent amount of games in, which allowed you look at many different players, how will that affect you going into 2021? It was great to get back out on the pitch and play. It was great to play good competition and to see where players were at as well as integrate the freshman into our team. It allowed us to build some chemistry on and off the field leading into this Fall.
How does your schedule look, what games should fans look out for? We are playing one of the toughest schedules in Division III with games against Pomona-Pitzer, Trinity (TX) and Christopher Newport, all of which are in the top 25. Our conference is always strong and I think even stronger this year so we have a very tough road ahead.
What can you tell us about the returning class, which Regals should we be looking out for? We have a great returning class with a lot of seniors. I have great expectations for Katie Weaver, Gabby Flores, Sonia Chan, Alexandra Fagerberg, Trinity Martinez, Dina Draguicevich, Danielle Vis, along with some of the younger players Jalynne Magana, Isabella Veljacic and Mandy Crawford.
Then you have the incoming class, who can really make some noise on the pitch? We have a great freshman class to go along with some of the new players from last year. Adriana Maroney, Allie Lam, Elisa Shott and Avery West are players I think can have an immediate impact and we have a transfer goalkeeper Logan Duford who can contribute to our success. All newcomers will enhance the level of play in the program.
Overall, what can you tell us about this year? What are your expectations? I am extremely excited to see our group this year we have great depth at every position. We have players committed to the culture that strive to be successful. I think with our strong leadership group and the mix of new players we very much looking forward to the coming season.
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Release by Ryan Jorgenson, Sports Information Director
