2021 Women's Soccer Season Preview
Smithfield, R.I. - The Bryant University women's soccer team is set to begin the 2021 season in two days after having not played for over a year.
During the 2019 season, the Bulldogs finished the year with a 9-4-4 overall record and an undefeated conference record of 7-0-3. From September 9th to November 9th, the Black and Gold didn't lose a game. They earned eight wins and four ties during that stretch to advance to the Northeast Conference semi-finals, where Bryant fell to Fairleigh Dickinson by a score of 2-0.
Defense
One of the cornerstones of the team last season was the defense. The Bulldogs allowed the least amount of goals in the NEC (14). The anchor of that defense is senior goalkeeper Meghan Dalton who had a dominant 2019 season, where she posted career-highs in GAA (0.78) and SV% (.833). Along with her career-highs, Dalton recorded 70 saves, nine wins, and two shutouts. Dalton was named the NEC Co-Goalkeeper of the year while also making the All-NEC first-team. Joining Dalton on defense is senior Jamie Irwin, who also made the All-NEC first-team and sophomore Katrina Stangl who made the All-NEC rookie team. The three All-NEC members are joined by Becca Michaud, Chae Diani, Kellie Errasti, Melissa Reef, and Lucy Smith, who played a total of 51 games last season.
Midfield
The midfield will be led by Juniors Corinne Rey and Eleni Spiratos. The duo played in all 17 games last season and produced three goals and two assists. They will be joined by senior Kylie Ratelle, who started all 17 games last season, and junior Vanessa Majer, who played eight games as a sub last year.
Forwards
Forwards last season for the Black and Gold accounted for nine goals and seven assists last year. Two of those forwards are junior Lexi Kraemer and senior Amanda Spitaleri. The pair tied for the second-most goals on the team with three and recorded three total assists. Senior Katie Cronin also found the back of the net and scored one goal last season. They will be joined by seniors Arin Smalls, Kristen Bortolotti, junior Abbey Rocker, and sophomore Madeline Labance.
Freshmen
The Bulldogs have added some youth, with six freshmen joining the team. The incoming freshman class includes Sofia Cassano, Alivia Gallardo, Makayla Griffin, Kathryn McNeil, Rebecca Rocker, and Nina Singer.
The Black and Gold kick off their season in a road contest against Providence on Sunday.