The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's soccer team opens their 2015 regular season campaign when they host the Ryerson Rams this Saturday, August 29 at Varsity Centre.

The first match of U of T's 31st season in program history is set to begin at 1 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

The Blues finished third, going 1-1, at the Old Four tournament last weekend in Montreal. Toronto dropped a narrow 1-0 decision to the host McGill Martlets, before defeating the Queen's Gaels 4-3 in the bronze-medal match. 

U of T is coming off a successful 10-4-2 season in 2014, where they finished in third place in the OUA East division. 

Stuart Neely, who enters his second season as Blues bench boss, believes the team is ready to take the next step to reach the OUA Final Four.

"This season we are focusing on being competitive in every position for every minute in all matches," said Neely. "We had to change the culture last year and we are a little further ahead in that regard. It takes time to build a championship program. Just ask our competitors. We are on our way to challenge them."

Veteran goalkeeper Sara Petrucci is back for her fifth and final season with the Blues. The Bolton, Ont., native is a three-time OUA all-star and will be called upon to help rookie keeper Sydney Crowe develop into a top OUA-calibre netminder.

Fellow fifth-year veteran and two-time OUA all-star Olivia Gonsalves returns to lead U of T's midfield. Gonsalves, along with third-year standout Nicki Parkes, are tasked with welcoming rookies Julia Gonsalves, Natasha Klasios and Charlene Nabana this season.

Third-year player Brenda Murillo returns to lead the attack with a young core of strikers behind her. With Chelsea Cheung and Alexandra Rocha pushing the limits, the Blues are certainly a team to watch in 2015.

It's a common saying that defence wins championships, which bodes wells for the Blues strong defensive corps. The team will rely on veterans Laura Krkachovski, Emma Ostermeier and Christine Mulligan to stand tall on the Blues back line. Rookies Daniella Cipriano, Bisman Mangat and Riana Vumbaca will also challenge for playing time this season.

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