Kodiaks soccer ready for historic campaign

By Lethbridge Herald on September 9, 2022.

Submitted by Lethbridge College

Soccer fans, the wait is finally over. The Lethbridge College Kodiaks men’s and women’s soccer programs are set to kick off a new Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) campaign with a pair of games this weekend.

 It’s one of the most anticipated seasons in recent memory, with all roads leading to Comet Stadium in Raymond as the Kodiaks are set to host the 2022 ACAC Men’s and Women’s Soccer Championships for the first time in program history later this October.

 “It’s a dream to be able to host the championships in your own backyard,” Carey says. “For the players to be able to play in front of their family and friends is going to be special, especially with a spot at national championships on the line,” said head coach Sean Carey

 Both clubs had strong campaigns last year but came up just short in the ACAC south division semifinals. With another year of experience and an infusion of young talent, Carey says his teams are hungry and well positioned to take the next step towards a conference title.

 The Kodiaks women return the core of last season’s squad that went 5-1 in the regular season, reinforced by an exciting recruiting class that includes a mix of young and veteran talent. 

 “The expectation on the women’s team this year is definitely to go to national championships,” says Carey. “It’s probably the best team I’ve had in my tenure at the college in terms of the female side. Seeing the skill level we have now, as a coaching staff we feel like we’ve got everything we need to get to the next level.”

A key returning player is  third year Olivia  DePasquale

“Coming off a year where she was third in ACAC scoring, I’ve challenged her to match that and even surpass that. She’s a leader on the team and our captain, and I look to her to lead by example. We know there are bumps in the road during the course of a season and that’s when we need her experience to calm the waters and help our team get to the next level, said Carey.

Also, fifth year Meaghan Welby will be back in the den.

“She’s our Ms. Versatile. She can play anywhere; she can play fullback, centre-mid, wing, centre-back, anywhere. Those players are few and far between, and it’s key as a fifth year to bring her experience with it,” said Carey.

Taylor Hrycun, Montanna Rousselle and Abby Jackson are key additions.

“She’s a veteran in this league, transferring to us after previously playing with The King’s University Eagles. Just a tenacious, strong centre-back and one of the best I’ve coached while at Lethbridge College. Fearless and I think she’ll be a threat on set plays,” said Carey, on Hrycun.

 On the men’s side, the Kodiaks will be sporting a much younger roster – one Carey believes will catch opponents by surprise.  

“It’s exciting because of the quality we brought in this year,” says Carey. “I honestly believe our starting 11 are probably right there with anybody in our league. We’ve got a lot of different dynamics and different looks for this team. There’s young, enthusiastic, skilled players all over the park and we have veterans that can put the ball in the back of the net.”

Daniel Okpala and Hayden Devoy are key returnee to the men’s squad.

“He’s going to be a key player for us up-top. He knows how to score goals, he can hold the ball up, we’ve got some pace alongside him.”  Said  Carey, on Okpala.

First years Joel McLeod and Ethan McClelland are the most notable new addition.

“”His speed is incredible. We’re going to put him in a position to be successful and he’s really good on both sides of the ball. He’s got an eye for goal and an eye for defending. Those type of players are few and far between,” said Carey on McClelland.

The Kodiaks will have their home openers  on Sunday against Medicine Hat College with the men playing at 3 p.m. and the women playing at 1 p.m.

LC soccer opened the seasons last night on the road at Ambrose.

One notable change this season is the return of a full regular season schedule after last year’s transitional six-game campaign. The Kodiaks will take on each ACAC south division rival twice in 2022 — once at home, once on the road.