By Ryan Hyndman
The Dalhousie Tigers women’s soccer team is getting ready to begin an exciting new season. With a mix of experienced leadership and fresh faces, the team is primed to embrace challenges, foster unity, and chase victory in the forthcoming year.
After a 1-0 loss in the conference championship final last year, head coach Cindy Tye who is in her eighth season with the Tigers, is looking forward to an exciting year ahead.
"We expect to be competitive again this year,” she says. “The league is always a tightly contested arena resulting in a dynamic and captivating season. Our depth - a key factor last year - will undoubtedly be a linchpin for our success. The start can't come soon enough."
A cornerstone of the team's aspirations, returning fourth-year midfielder Morgan Leon reiterates their mission this year.
"We are looking sharp, and our result last season proved that we are one of the top teams in the league. Our goal is to win the AUS championship."
She also highlights the need to continue to develop in order to achieve that goal.
"An important piece to focus on this season is becoming stronger on the ball and being more aggressive on the attack,” adds Leon We have some great finishers on the team and players are more than capable of putting the ball in the back of the net."
Amidst the potential, the essence of leadership and unity is clear with this Tigers team. Coach Tye celebrates the diversity of leadership within the team.
"What is awesome about our team is that there are so many players that show leadership in so many different ways. Whether it’s leading by example, keeping everyone in high spirits, or bringing a high-level of energy to practice, everyone brings something to the table."
Tye’s sentiment resonates with Leon who aspires to be a leader in building a harmonious team culture.
"As leaders, showing that we are not only a team but a family, will be passed down. It takes the whole team to win and it's essential that everyone knows that."
Yet, it's not only returning players who shape the Tigers journey. Coach Tye had a strong recruiting season that features several newcomers who will bring fresh energy and skill.
"We have a strong incoming class who have been in great environments all summer. Sally Steinberg was one of the top goal scorers for Oakville in the U19 League 1 Reserve and Arianna Rushenas, Sarah Giles, and Ella Halliday all played on the Toronto Nitro's team that captured the League 1 reserve title a couple of weeks ago. Rushenas and Maeve McCloskey have really strood out during pre-season action."
The road ahead holds both challenges and triumphs. "Being a part of this strong group of women feels empowering," says Leon. "I'm excited to grow, win, and proudly wear the white AUS championship hat at the end of the year."
While the future's hurdles may be tough, the Dalhousie Tigers women's soccer team is ready to confront them head-on.
"Each year, we seem to gain a bit more and look forward to what that looks like this year!"
As the Tigers prepare to grace the field this season, the amalgamation of seasoned leaders and promising recruits guarantees an intriguing 2023-24 season. The story of unity, development, and triumph is set to unfold in the coming months, and fans are eagerly poised to witness the Dalhousie Tigers women’s soccer team in action once again.
The Tigers pre-season began with a 1-0 loss to UNB and a 0-0 tie with Mount Allison, followed by a 5-1 win over Saint Mary’s and a 2-1 victory over Acadia. The regular season opens this weekend with back-to-back matches against the Memorial Sea-Hawks in Newfoundland on September 1st at 4:30pm AT.