MCLA Women's Soccer gearing up for season, open Saturday at home against Regis
The MCLA Women's Soccer program is poised to make another postseason run as they return the MASCAC rookie of the year Natalie Caney. The sophomore posted 17 goals one year ago, which tied a school freshmen record.
MASCAC Women's Soccer Preseason Poll
North Adams, MA- The MCLA Women's Soccer program has qualified for the postseason in each of the last two years. While each season ended with a quarterfinal setback, the 2014 Trailblazers have plenty of reason for optimism. With seventeen letter winners returning, MCLA is poised to make their mark on the competitive MASCAC in 2014.
MCLA finished last season 8-10 overall and 3-4 in the conference.
Under 15th year head coach Deb Raber, the Trailblazers return a potent offense while trying to fill in some gaps on the defensive side in 2014. Raber is looking forward to the opening match on Saturday when the Trailblazers host Regis College.
MCLA's Deb Raber discusses the outlook for her Trailblazer squad
"After a high energy preseason so far, I'm excited to see what the women will bring once they put on that MCLA jersey on the 30th. The newcomers have meshed well with the returning group giving us a lot of options as we head into the season," Raber said.
One of those players that Raber referenced as a key returner is sophomore Natalie Caney, as she tied the school's freshman scoring record a year ago with 17 goals. She tallied 37 points in her first season in North Adams. Caney was rewarded for her performance by being named the MASCAC Rookie of the Year in 2013. The explosive goal scorer collected three hat tricks a year ago.
Other offensive weapons for MCLA include fellow sophomore Jackie Dwyer. Last season Dwyer recorded a pair of goals and three assists. Aside from Caney, she is the top returning threat for the Trailblazers. Newcomer Cayla Mole will also be counted on to provide a spark up front as she comes from perennial powerhouse Ludlow High School.
Defensively, the Trailblazers will have a new look in the backfield. Sophomore Katy Daly will assume the keeper responsibilities after appearing in seven games last season. The rest of the backfield will consist of some newcomers as MCLA graduated three key defenders from a year ago. Newcomers Alexi Anderson and Courtney Hayer will look to make an impact on the defensive side.
The schedule opens with three straight home matches, including a pair over the Labor Day weekend. After hosting Regis this Saturday, the Trailblazers will battle Albertus Magnus on Monday afternoon. The program will also compete in the CIAO Soccer Classic for the first time on September 6th when they host Smith.
The MASCAC slate opens on the road at Worcester State on September 20th. The Trailblazers then host a four game homestand, including a pair of MASCAC matchups with Salem State and Fitchburg State. MCLA will then host senior day on the November 1st regular season finale against Massachusetts Maritime.