2025 MCAC women's soccer season preview
Lately, MCAC women's soccer championships have come in threes. After three straight titles by the Université de Saint-Boniface Les Rouges, the Brandon University Bobcats are looking to win their third in a row as their season begins at Canadian Mennonite University on Sunday.
As the Bobcats won more games than anyone last year, their star striker Jorja Hoad scored more goals than anyone. She's back to lead a strong group of attackers, including Brogan Henry, Kenadie Janzen and Mackenzie Boyes.
"Jorja Hoad has consistently demonstrated her ability to score goals and contribute meaningfully to team dynamics. She's not only a reliable finisher but also a true team player who always prioritizes collective success over individual accolades. Her selfless mindset and tactical awareness make her a key asset in any match situation," said head coach Diego Rodriguez Sr.
"Her communication skills and unwavering determination have shaped her into an outstanding soccer player. Whether it's motivating teammates, organizing play, or adapting to challenges on the field, Jorja leads by example. Her presence elevates the performance of those around her, and her commitment to excellence is evident in every training session and game."
The Bobcats added some strength at the back in Sara Switzer and Sofia Kalyar, to go with captain Molly MacPherson-Blair.
Their home opener is a rematch of the last two finals against the Providence University College Pilots to open the second week of regular season action.
PROVIDENCE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE PILOTS
The Providence University College Pilots have high hopes as they celebrate the school's centennial.
Head coach Tory Walker is entering his 10th season with 18 players back from last year, anchored by a strong centre-back in senior Sarah Friesen, who takes over leadership of the defensive unit with the loss of perennial all-conference star Ava Temple.
The Pilots added some firepower up front in attacking midfielder Matea Maras and striker Hannah DeGuildre to join Halle Owen and Serena Negrich. They'll look to not only extend their string of championship game appearances but also earn their first league title in a decade.
"We are really excited to see where the team's potential will get to," Walker said. "I think having such a large returning group only helps motivate the first years to keep pushing. The team seems to have a chip on their shoulder, and has some unfinished business with not winning the MCAC Championship since the 2014-2015 season."
"I am excited that there is more on the line for finishing first place in the league," Walker added. "It is nice that getting first place holds more weight in hosting the MCAC championships. Our team loves playing at home, so hopefully that will motivate us to push for wins each weekend, even the final game of the year."
CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY BLAZERS
The Blazers are looking to improve upon a third-place finish last year, with a few key veterans trying to leave on a high note.
Fifth-years Kasey Petruskavich and Kalyssa Wasylik are among the key returnees to go with rookie goalkeeper Kadya Melnyk and a solid incoming class.
"The team goal this year is to focus on consistent team play while showing improvement weekly throughout the season," said new coach Peter Marinelli.
"The team has been training hard the past few weeks with the introduction of many new defending and attacking concepts that I believe will lead to a very exciting and successful season."
UNIVERSITÉ DE SAINT-BONIFACE LES ROUGES
The Université de Saint-Boniface Les Rouges enter a very new year with nearly half their roster in their rookie seasons.
Les Rouges will lean on just two seniors, including Jade Lopez, for leadership, as most of the team arrived after its last of three consecutive soccer championships in 2022.
While one of the team's best midfielders and scorers, Marlene Zarychta, has graduated, a 10-player rookie class including Nova Cooper, Elia Grosselle, Amelia Nicolin and Bella Arbez will step up to replace the program's former leaders by committee.
"We have a few new additions to the team: players and coaches this season. With new faces come new opportunities to grow as a team," said head coach Tonya Derkson.
"The team has put in a lot of hours on the pitch and in the gym over the past year to get ready for this season. The team is excited to get onto the pitch and showcase all their hard work and compete for the top spot this season."
ASSINIBOINE COLLEGE COUGARS
The Assiniboine College Cougars are looking to build off of a promising 2024-25 campaign, in which they reached the futsal playoffs for the first time.
With soccer all-conference striker and futsal player of the year Kiyanna Arevalo back in the fold to lead a veteran group of attacking players, they will try to apply more pressure than ever onto opposing defences.
Strikers Kiera Griffin, Angela Fetsch and Katherina Urrutia, along with midfielder Megan Beswitherick have returned, along with a large rookie class with a few who won't waste time becoming scoring threats for AC.
"It is an honour for me to be here and coach all these amazing players," said coach Manuel Luben Lozano. Even though this is a small group, the energy and strength they are bringing to the team is inspiring."
The Cougars are kicking off the season on fresh turf on the brand-new Cougars Field at the Maple Leaf Foods Sports Complex, located on the northeast side of Brandon.
"No matter what, keep our heads up and I would love to get us to at least the final four," Arevalo said. "I'm happy to be a leader to a team of girls who are there to put in the work and are there to enjoy the game and I'm just excited to be able to play with a team that hopefully grows into a family."