SCARBOROUGH, ONTARIO - The countdown is over! The Centennial Colts Women's Soccer team is ready to launch their OCAA campaign, aiming to bring home a medal this season. The excitement kicks off this Saturday at 1:00 PM on the Progress Campus Pitch, where the Colts will host the St. Lawrence Surge in what promises to be a thrilling start to the season.

After a standout 2023-24 season, where the team made a strong push to the quarterfinals, the Colts are back with renewed focus. Though last season ended with a tough loss, it also raised the bar for individual performances and team dynamics. Now, with a fresh strategy in place, the Colts are determined to advance deeper into the league.

Leading the charge is fifth-year centre-back and team captain, Emily Cullen, who's excited about the new style the team is bringing to the field. "We've become a more attack-focused team. We might not have the tallest players, but we're easily one of the fastest teams in the league," Cullen shared.

Preseason performances have only added to the optimism surrounding the squad. Coach Rich Hirst, the OCAA 2023-24 East Division Coach of the Year, wasn't shy about testing his recruits in exhibition games. The results? A solid 3-0-1 record against tough competitors from the west division showcased the team's diverse strengths. The rookies quickly proved themselves valuable assets, seamlessly blending into the team.

But the rookies aren't the only reason for excitement. The Colts have also welcomed Natalia Casiello, a former NCAA midfielder from Davenport University, back in Canada. With her experience at the collegiate level, Casiello is eager to contribute to the team's success. "I want my experience to be something the team can rely on, to help the other players grow and learn by leading on the field," said Casiello.

There's a common goal among the squad: win the OCAA. However, as Captain Cullen emphasized, achieving that goal requires a united front. "We need to find success as a unit and focus on taking it one game at a time," she noted.

With a strong mix of returning talent, exciting new players, and a relentless commitment to teamwork, the Colts are ready to make a deep run this season. The energy from last year is still alive and well, and they'll need it to reach their ultimate goal.

If you can't make it to the game, don't worry! Be sure to tune in to the Colts YouTube channel, where the game will be live-streamed.

Let's see if the Colts can start their season with a bang!

By: Pedro Casellato