PIKE CREEK, Del. – The Goldey-Beacom College women's soccer team, loaded with experienced players and young talent after suffering through a 2-14 season in 2009, will open its 2010 campaign against Mansfield at Nancy Churchman-Sawin Field on Sat., Sept. 4 at 1 p.m.
“The Lady Lightning look forward to the 2010 season as an opportunity to rebound from a disappointing 2009 campaign,” fourth-year head coach John Cappiello said. “With 14 players returning and a successful 2010 recruiting class, team expectations are that a positive turnaround can be achieved this fall.”
According to Cappiello, the five freshmen he brought in during the offseason are on target to make an immediate impact on the GBC women's soccer program.
“Kaitlin Doherty, Allie Ford, Sam Luppino, Danielle Semenza, and Tess Beukers will be seen at numerous positions through the team shape of defenders, midfielders, and attackers,” he said.
The team had successful outings in preseason matches against the Alumni and Delaware State. The Lightning look for this success to follow into the non-conference schedule, which begins tomorrow against Mansfield, and the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference schedule which starts Sept. 11 versus Dominican.
Junior forward Ashley Longo has been very active for the Lightning offensively in the pre-season, scoring three of the team's four goals, including both goals in a 2-2 tie against Delaware State.
Originally, GBC was supposed to open the season at home on Thurs., Sept. 2 against Lincoln, but that game has been postponed to a date still to be determined.
Mansfield, a member of the very strong Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, was 4-11 overall last year. The Mounties defeated the Lightning 3-0 last year in both teams' season opener on Aug. 28.
Goldey-Beacom, which has lost its last five season openers, has played Mansfield in its last two and lost both, 3-0. The Lightning will try to win their first season-opener since 2004, and attempt to beat their first PSAC opponent since a 1-0 win over Shippensburg on Sept. 7, 2002.
