Last season, the UW-Eau Claire women’s soccer team had some flashes of being a strong team but couldn’t put together a winning season.  Now the Blugolds look to redeem their  8-9-3 record, but it will have to come with some fresh new faces as 13 freshmen players have joined the squad.

While a new era of players enters the fold, someone not short on experience is head coach Sean Yengo, who is entering his 17th year coaching the Blugolds.

“We may be young in some positions,” Yengo said. “We have four or five freshman starters and a brand new goalkeeper.”

Even with the abundance of new youth, Yengo isn’t counting this as the season to rebuild.  This Blugold soccer team is still poised to be one of the top teams in the WIAC.

“We anticipate as the season goes on the new players will get better, get used to the speed and physicality of college ball,” Yengo said.

There is still a group of veteran players ready for success, like senior captain Teighlor Tvedt, who shares her coach’s optimism.  Tvedt said she wants to capitalize on her final season as a Blugold and already has her eyes set on the NCAA Tournament.

“We’re making a run for conference champs,” Tvedt said. “Then let’s see where we can go.”

Along with Tvedt returns junior Caroline Henderson, who led the team with 11 goals last season.  These two headline the core group of returning players which includes sophomore Fallon Peplinski, and juniors Ashley Seymore, Megan Hanson and Tara Dennehy.

“We’re excited every year,” Yengo said. “That’s the beauty of being a Division III coach, your players have passion to win and want to win consistently.”

The Blugolds had their season opener last Friday when they fell to Hamline University (Minn.) 1-0.  New goalkeeper, sophomore Rachel Griffiths, had four saves out of five shots on goal, but the offense failed to generate a score.

The Blugolds play at home for the first time this season on Saturday against College of Saint Benedict (Minn.). Tvedt said she thinks once they get in front of their home crowd they’ll be able to get things going.