LETHBRIDGE – With 10 new faces on the roster, the Lethbridge Pronghorn women's soccer team will have a distinctly new look this season and will attempt to start the season on the right foot, traveling to Edmonton to face the Alberta Pandas and MacEwan Griffins.
 
Both games, Saturday and Sunday will kick-off at 12:00 in Edmonton. Catch all the action live on www.canadawest.tv, presented by CO-OP.
 
A Look at the Teams
 
After missing the playoffs a season ago by only four points, the Pronghorns will look to make a return to the post-season dance but will need to regain the offensive punch they had two seasons ago.
 
Last year, the Pronghorns scored a conference low six goals, but return Raeleen Vanden dungen, who tied for the team lead for goals.
 
Despite the graduation of Lindsay Amatto, Erica Augsten and Aislinn Williston, the Pronghorns have a balance of youth and veterans that will play significant time this season.
 
On additions to the program, the Pronghorns welcome back Jesse Dueck for her fifth season. Dueck returns after a season away and her steady control and dependable defending will be a nice compliment to the youthful back-line.
 
Offensively, newcomer Lucy Mundy, a midfielder from Foothills FC, will add a play-making addition to the midfield. Her vision of the field and creativity will only serve to add to the 'Horns offensive push.
 
For the Pandas, the 2018 Canada West bronze medalist, ranked among the best defensive teams in the conference as year ago, allowing only 11 goals against in 14 games.
 
While the Pandas graduated veteran goal scorers Sydney Daines and Karissa McNutt, the 2019 Pandas return Brenna Mattiello, Morgan Corbett and Brooke Lang, who combined to score 12 goals last year.
 
Sunday's opponent, MacEwan Griffins finished third in the Pacific Division last year but were bounced in the Canada West quarterfinal by the Pandas, 2-1.
 
Statistically, the Griffins finished sixth in Canada West in both goals for and against, scoring 26 goals, while allowing 16 against.
 
Reigning Canada West first team all-star Jamie Erickson is a key for the Griffins at both ends of the pitch. In addition to tying for the team lead in goals with six, she is counted on to play a crucial role in the team's defensive structure from her centre-back position.
 
Up Next:
 
The Pronghorns will return home next weekend to host the Victoria Vikes and UBC Thunderbirds at the University Community Stadium.