First-year head coach Luciano Lombardi and the University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's soccer team are set to begin their 2016 OUA campaign this Friday, August 26 as they travel to take on the Nipissing Lakers at 12 p.m.
Toronto returns to Varsity Stadium on Sunday, August 28 to take on the Laurentian Voyageurs in their 2016 home opener, also at 12 p.m. U of T is riding a wave of confidence following a solid 2015 season. The Blues finished in fourth place in the OUA East division with a 9-6-1 record, while boasting two major OUA award winners and three OUA all-stars.
Fourth-year co-captains Laura Krkachovski, who earned her first OUA all-star nod in 2015, and Christine Mulligan will anchor a strong backline for the Blues. The pair played in all 16 regular season games a year ago, utilizing their strength and aggression to shut down their opposition. They will be relied upon to integrate first-year defender Anna Crone into Toronto's defensive corps this season.
Reigning OUA East rookie of the year Natasha Klasios will be leaned on as one of the main offensive forces in the U of T attack. The Unionville, Ont. native led the team and ranked fifth in the conference with 11 goals from her attacking midfield position.
The Blues also return two more top scorers in third-year striker Chelsea Cheung and fourth-year midfielder Nicki Parkes. Together the pair scored eight goals in 2015 and showcase the offensive punch the Blues possess.
In net, the Blues will have a tall task in replacing five-year starter and three-time OUA all-star goalkeeper Sara Petrucci. However, Western transfer and two-time OUA West first team all-star Tori Edgar looks to be the answer Toronto has been looking for. Edgar has started 30 matches over the past two seasons for the Mustangs and also represented Canada at the 2015 FISU World University Games in South Korea.
Edgar will be challenged by first-year keepers Vanna Staggiolis and Stephania Turyk. The trio is expected to shut down the OUA's top talent this season.
Following the teams season opening weekend, the Blues will remain at home welcoming the Trent Excalibur to Varsity Stadium on Saturday, September 3 followed by the UOIT Ridgebacks on Sunday September 4. Both games will kick off at 1 p.m.
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