SEASON PREVIEW: Women’s Soccer Panthers ready to chase playoff spot in 2023

By Thomas Becker

As they enter the 2023 season, the UPEI Women's Soccer Panthers are optimistic that this is the year their playoff hopes and dreams become reality.

"After a rough year, we're really hungry for that playoff spot," said third-year centre back Roselyn Kushko. "We worked on a few things towards the end of the season that we're applying this year, and so far it's been working well for us." 

That's an encouraging sign for the Panthers, who begin their journey Friday evening versus the Mount Allison Mounties and look for their first opening day win since 2012. 

Kushko will lead a defensive core that figures to be the team's strength once again. Lined up beside her will be co-captain Mia Martell, who switched from winger to centre back during training camp. Before an injury-plagued 2022, Grace Veinotte held a starting spot, and now that she's healthy, she could slide back into that role. Carrie Docherty, Mackayla Vos, Erin Piltzmaker, and rookies Olivia James and Emma Parker will likely see playing time as well with starting positions still up for grabs. Meanwhile, Sophomore goalkeeper Claudia Mazzei is expected to start each game in net this season. 

"I'm excited and confident about our defence," Kushko said. "We have some rookies coming in who are bringing some new energy to the squad. We also have returning players who have done an amazing job in the back line and continue to do so."

Panthers head coach Lewis Page said he loves the depth at defence and is hoping some healthy competition will bring out the best in them.

"We'll be solid back there and they'll give us a chance to win," Page said. "We have a good group of eight players battling for starting positions." 

The midfield will be the most experienced group on the pitch as three likely starters—Olivia Cummings, Sarah Eden and Madison Fisher—have all spent the past four years with the club. Another thing this group has in common is speed. They'll be asked to push the pace and set up scoring opportunities for one another and the forwards lined up in front of them. Like the previously three mentioned, sophomore Lydia Hamill also started all three pre-season games and will be another important piece in midfield. 

With a strong group in the middle facilitating the attack, the Panthers are hope improve offensively after scoring 10 times in 12 games last season. Fourth-year striker Caitlyn McCloskey and sophomore winger Katie Trifos both have a knack for putting the ball in the net and will get the bulk of the minutes up front. Meanwhile, Emily Cormier will provide a spark off the bench after leading the team in scoring with a pair of goals in 2022.

Martell knows firsthand what it takes to put the ball in the net and even though she's no longer playing a premier scoring position, Martell says she's confident in the group Page will run out on the field.

"We want to focus on quick transitions this year and attacking when we have numbers," Martell said. "We want our players taking chances one-on-one and attacking with speed, which should help us generate more offence." 

With a new season and a clean slate to work with, the Panthers hope to be the team that is remembered for taking UPEI back to the playoffs.

"Our team is ready to put in the work," Martell said. "We will need to focus on starting each game fresh and with intensity, but more importantly, making sure we work together as a team."

* The 2023 UPEI Soccer Season Pass and single game tickets are on sale now and can be purchased through our new ticketing system at panthertickets.ca.