Led by a core group of fourth and fifth year players, the Carleton Ravens women's soccer team enters the 2024 season looking to take the next step in the OUA East.
With eight true seniors, the Ravens squad full of coach Dominic Oliveri's first recruits is poised to push further up the table. Led by Lauren Illman at the front of the park, the Ravens midfield and defensive core is solid. With seven seniors in the middle and back of the park including keeper Chloé Lachance-Soulard the 2024 season with optimism.
The Ravens scored goals in the preseason against top tier competition, but now, with Chloé Doiron injured there's an opportunity for a new catalyst to emerge. Salena Devellis and Mikayla Moser were tied for second last year in goals with three each and will be counted on alongside Illman to continue the groups upward progress.
The Ravens have their most balanced roster in years, with 15 players entering the season in their second or third year of eligibility. But with age also comes responsibility. Fans of Ravens soccer will be watching closely to see who steps up for the group.
Despite getting closer to their goals in 2023, some results still plagued the Ravens. Draws at Laurentian and Trent and a lopsided loss early in the year at Queen's meant Carleton finished fourth and had to host a strong Varsity Blues squad in the playoffs. A more veteran core, the Ravens will look to avenge some of those stumbles if they want to improve their playoff positioning and establish themselves among the top of the OUA East.
The Ravens season gets underway on Saturday, August 31st when they travel to Nipissing. The Ravens will open the home half of their schedule on Friday, September 6 when they host Queen's.
