BROCKPORT, N.Y.—The College at Brockport women's soccer team aims to take another step forward in 2017 after a successful first year under head coach Mike Idland.
 
The Golden Eagles finished the 2016 season with an overall record of 8-6-2, and a 4-4-1 mark in league play. Brockport played their way into the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) post-season.
 
The Green and Gold will be leaning on their two captains, senior Maddie Siclare and junior Olivia Kuter, to lead a team that will welcome 22 new faces. Siclare was third on the team in scoring last season with three goals and was named to SUNYAC All-Conference Third-Team.
 
"Siclare is an all-conference player and will remain as attacking central midfielder with plenty of freedom to create and destroy," Idland said. "Kuter is another key returner and will likely continue to play in the back line and provide much needed experience in that part of the field."
 
Brockport brings back one other senior in Lauren Moore, who along with Siclare, will be looked at for experience at the midfield position. The Golden Eagles do have returners on every level of the field which will become a significant advantage as the season progresses. Juniors Karleigh Stefanidis, Ashley Kabza and sophomore Mara Zimmerman hope to lock onto starting spots on defense. At the forward position, junior Briana-Maria Sciacca and sophomore Molly Zientek aim to add a scoring punch. Sophomore goalkeeper Kimberly Lubanski will have an opportunity to become the goal stopper the team needs going forward.
 
After his first year at the helm in 2016, Idland brings in a host of young talent that he is excited for, including 17 freshman and five transfers.
 
"We have a wonderful class of freshmen and transfers joining us this season," Idland commented.  "Collectively they will certainly help to raise the overall standard in training and the level of competition for spots within the team, which is key to any player making an impact in game-play."
 
The Golden Eagles attracted five transfers, all of whom are juniors and can play a part on every aspect of the game. Chezney Belcher and Riley Foti can add more experience to the midfield. Kallie Smith will look to boost the offense at the forward position and on the opposite side, Lindsey Lovett aims to keep opposing teams off the scoreboard with her defense. Molly Graves joins Lubanksi at the goalkeeping position.
 
Brockport will have a younger team then last season, but for Coach Idland, that is an exciting thought.
 
"One major difference will be that last year's team members, were all already very familiar with each other going into the 2016 season, whereas so many of this year's players will be getting to know each other for the first time throughout the season," said Idland. "I think that's pretty exciting!"
 
The Green and Gold bring in a host of midfield talent including Brittney Biegler, Victoria Helfrick, Ana Lombardo, Camryn Roeller, Krista Statt and Alexa Biegler.  At the forward position, Sarah Covell, Aja Holloway, Myriah Saar and Fiona Stockdale, aim to grow and become impact scorers. The defensive side of the ball will welcome Jamie Cooper, Mackenzie Culhane, Courtney Franz, Marissa Greiner, Christina Hess, Rian McMullen and Emma Nevers.
 
Coach Idland's message for the Golden Eagles is straightforward.
 
"My expectation is simple. We do the very best we can every day, and we will see where that takes us," Idland stated.
 
The Golden Eagle season starts on the road on Sept. 1 at 4 p.m. with a game vs Lynchburg College in the Roanoke Tournament in Salem, Va. The Green and Gold home opener will be on Sept. 7 at 5:30 p.m. where Brockport will face off again St. John Fisher College.
 
Be sure to stay up to date on all your Golden Eagle news, scores, and awards by following @BportAthletics on Twitter and by like the "Brockport Golden Eagles" Facebook page.