The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's soccer team begin their 2024 OUA campaign with potential and desire.

Anchored once again on the back line by three-time OUA all-star Hannah Chown, the Blues will look to extend the late season run they put together last fall, which propelled them all the way to the OUA quarter-finals. In that late season run of five consecutive wins, Toronto's defence was unblemished as they outscored opponents 12-0, including a 1-0 OUA playoff victory over the Carleton Ravens. With key returners and exciting newcomers, the pieces appear in place to duplicate that success once again.

FROM THE COACH'S DESK
"Going into the 2024 season I believe we have a fantastic mix of a returning core from last season, and a strong recruit class that brings together a youth and experience to enhance an already competitive group of student-athletes. The team has come in with a strong sense of togetherness and drive to compete every day in training, which I believe will pay dividends as we dive into the season."

• Angelo Cavalluzzo, University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's soccer head coach.

PLAYERS TO WATCH
Key Returners: Hannah Chown (D), Hannah Anderson (MF), Anne Yeomans (F)

Key Additions: Emilija Lucic (MF), Maddy Mah (MF), Bryanna Campbell (D)

LAST SEASON'S LEADERS
Goals: Hannah Chown | 12 GP, 8 G

Assists: Natasha Budisa | 12 GP, 3 A

Saves: Juliana Ottoni | 5 GP, 23 SV

FROM THE FIELD
"The energy and commitment from everyone is palpable and it's clear that together we're striving towards one common goal: finishing this season with two more medals than we started with. Our expectation is to compete in every match and to grow together as a group."

• Hannah Chown, 4^th year, Defender

MARQUEE GAMES
August 31 vs. RMC
The Blues open their 2024 OUA campaign with a three-game home stand, beginning first with the visiting RMC Paladins. Toronto is undefeated versus the Paladins dating back to 2008, holding an impressive 25-0-1 (W-L-D) record during that span, including three consecutive 3-0 victories over their last four meetings. The season opener provides potential for a great jumping off point for the Blues.

September 29 vs. Carleton
The second meeting of the season between these two teams will take place at Varsity Stadium, as the Ravens will no doubt be looking to avenge their quarter-final loss to the Blues a season ago in both showdowns. With the advantage of home turd in this mid-season matchup, Toronto will be aiming to begin another second half run ahead of the start of October.

October 12 vs Nipissing
A top three team in the OUA east last season, this final regular season weekend matchup with the Nipissing Lakers may prove vital in the Blues journey to a postseason push. The Lakers have been stiff competition for the Blues, especially at Varsity Stadium where the two teams have drawn in each of their last two meetings in Toronto. Playoff positioning may be on the line, so the excitement will be sure to deliver.

GET YOUR TICKETS
Game tickets can be purchased at varsityblues.ca/tickets.

All Varsity Blues home soccer games will also be streamed live and on-demand via oua.tv.