Head coach Jorge Sanchez and the Concordia Stingers women's soccer team turn up the heat with their annual preseason soccer challenge, beginning tonight and wrapping up Sunday afternoon.
The second edition of the event will feature 10 women's and - for the first time - five men's teams at Concordia Stadium, 7200 Sherbrooke St. W. in N.D.G.
On the women's side, a couple of top American teams will participate - Middlebury College and the University of Wisconsin. Other teams to watch for include the University of Prince Edward Island, the 2004 Atlantic champions, and Guelph and Carleton universities from Ontario.
"With all the games going on, it will be a great weekend," says Sanchez. "We will be showing off some of the best university women's soccer has to offer."
The Stingers have finalized their squad and already tested the 2005 edition of the team with a game against the Plattsburgh State Cardinals last Monday. Concordia mounted an impressive comeback from two goals down to tie the game 3-3.
This weekend they hope to build on that success and prepare for the Quebec conference season, which starts Sept. 18.
Once again the team will look to co-captain Mélanie Poirier, the Stingers' leading scorer in each of the last two seasons, to provide the offensive spark. Stephanie Chacon will move to mid-field where she'll be able to maximize her valuable play-making skills. Look for additional offensive output from second-year players Tania Pascuzzo and Julie Pawlusiak.
Veteran defender Amy Lagendyk and last year's rookie of the year, Erica Geertsen, should provide support from the back with their customary solid play.
In addition to the returning players, rookies Rachel Steben, a three-year player with the Ottawa Fury, and Stéphanie Côté from two-time national champion CEGEP FX Garneau will add their valuable experience to an already strong core.
Another newcomer to watch for is goalie Melissa Morgan who will support QSSF first team all-star and co-captain Diane Ouimet.
"The quality of women's soccer in the Quebec conference continues to improve each year and we feel we have the team to compete with anyone," says Sanchez. "With our core group having benefited from last year's success and the spark provided by our new players, we are looking forward to some exciting soccer and of course of taking a step forward."
