2019 Women's Soccer Preview

Salem, Mass. – Salem State looks to build off the momentum of making their first MASCAC title appearance last season. Despite finishing with a 3-3-1 conference record, good for fifth place, and a 6-11-2 overall mark, head coach Nicolle Wood, who begins her 14th season, is confident her returning veterans will handle the loss of several key seniors to keep the Vikings in the title hunt this year.

Salem State returns just one of their four all-conference members from a year ago. Colleen Hurley (Braintree, Mass.), a second team All-MASCAC selection in 2018, who started in all 19 games and team-leading goal scorer Katie Brown (Milford, Mass.), who netted eight goals, will be expected to lead the attack on offense. Along with Devyn Malatesta (Wilmington, Mass.), the three seniors will lead a skilled, cohesive unit that hosts many key returning veterans, including: defender Emily Boyle (Manchester, N.H.), striker Taylor Capozzi (Lynn, Mass.), who had a strong second half last year, and former all-conference defender Mikayla Porcaro (Amesbury, Mass.).    

Defensively, Salem State will need to replace keeper Amanda Backe (Danvers, Mass.), who posted three shutouts towards the end of last season as the Vikings won five straight games to end the season before coming up short in the championship game against Westfield State. Newcomers Lily Pferle (GK – Minnesota), Madison Pesce – (D – Danvers), Jill Tramandozzi (D – Malden), Kaley Moran (Mid - Arlington Cathlolic) and Lyndsey Martins (S – Medford) round out a strong recruiting class.  

 "We are happy to add Candice Dangora back to our coaching staff this season, along with Amanda Backe who will work with our goalkeepers. Jackie Hughes is also back for her third season, and as a coaching staff we expect to once again compete for a spot in the MASCAC finals. While we know there will be some transitional work to be done with a lot of holes to fill in our line up, we are excited to see what the returners will accomplish with the combination of their experience and leadership and a strong incoming class."

Salem State hosts WPI in their season opener on Saturday, August 31 at 10:00 AM.