Women's Soccer 2024 Season Preview

2024 Landmark Conference Women's Soccer Preview

As the 2024 women's soccer season approaches, the Landmark Conference is set for another thrilling year of competition. With the University of Scranton aiming to defend its title and several teams seeking to test them for the conference crown, this season promises tough matches and great performances all around.

2023 in Review

2023 Standings

  1. University of Scranton: 13-4-3 (8-1-0 Landmark Conference)
  2. Catholic University: 12-5-3 (6-2-1 Landmark Conference)
  3. Drew University: 12-7-1 (6-2-1 Landmark Conference)
  4. Moravian University: 8-5-4 (5-2-2 Landmark Conference)
  5. Elizabethtown College: 6-9-3 (3-4-2 Landmark Conference)
  6. Susquehanna University: 4-9-5 (2-3-4 Landmark Conference)
  7. Lycoming College: 6-5-6 (1-4-4 Landmark Conference)
  8. Wilkes University: 3-6-7 (1-4-4 Landmark Conference)
  9. Goucher College: 4-5-8 (0-4-5 Landmark Conference)
  10. Juniata College: 4-10-2 (0-7-2 Landmark Conference)

2023 Playoffs

Semifinals:

  • #1 Scranton def #5 Elizabethtown: 5-1
  • #2 Catholic def #3 Drew: 1-0 (2OT)

Championship:

  • #1 Scranton def #2 Catholic: 3-0

The Scranton Royals once again demonstrated their dominance in the Landmark Conference, finishing the 2023 season 13-4-3 overall and 8-1-0 in conference play. Their postseason journey concluded with a 3-0 win over Catholic, securing their fourth straight Landmark Conference Championship. Senior forward Niamh Healy was the MVP of the match, netting two goals in the first half, while junior Emily Bannon sealed the win with a late strike in the 75th minute.

Despite their success in the conference, Scranton's season ended in heartbreak with a tight 0-1 loss in the first round of the NCAA Tournament to McDaniel.

2024 Preseason Coaches Poll

The upcoming Landmark Conference women's soccer season is expected to be thrilling as teams prepare to compete for the championship title.

The University of Scranton holds on to their top spot as they lead the preseason poll with 81 points. Following behind is last season's runner-up, Catholic University with 72 points. Securing the third position is Moravian University with 61 points, followed by Drew University in fourth place with 60 points. Rounding out the top half of the poll are Elizabethtown College (47 points) and Susquehanna University (44 points) in fifth and sixth place.

Seventh place in the rankings is claimed by Lycoming College with 30 points, followed by Wilkes University with 26 points in eighth place. Goucher College (18 points) and Juniata College (11 points) are rounding out the poll.

Catholic University

  • Head Coach: Casey Sommers (4th Season)
  • 2023 Record: 12-5-3 (6-2-1 Landmark Conference)
  • 2024 Projected Finish: 2nd

Catholic University had an impressive 2023 season, finishing as runner-up in the Landmark Conference. Under the guidance of Head Coach Casey Sommers, now in her fourth season, the Cardinals are expected to be strong contenders once again. With a solid returning core and a balanced roster, Catholic aims to challenge Scranton for the top spot.

Junior defender Sam Cesario returns to anchor the Cardinals' defense as they push for a tournament berth. Her standout performance last season earned her All-Region honors, a spot on the All-Landmark Conference First Team, and Landmark Athlete of the Week recognition in October 2023. Alongside her, junior forward Peyton Coron, Catholic's top returning scorer with seven goals last season, is back as a key contributor to the Cards' offense, ready to make an impact in the 2024 season.

The Cardinals start their season at Franklin & Marshall on Aug. 30, followed by their home opener against Grove City College on Aug. 31. They will begin conference play on Sept. 28 at Moravian, with a much-anticipated rematch against Scranton scheduled for Oct. 5.

"Last year we had an exciting competition every week of conference play and I am confident that will continue this year. Expanding the conference and adding two teams to postseason play kept it interesting until the very last game." - Head Coach Casey Sommers

Drew University

  • Head Coach: Brendan Michael (1st Season)
  • 2023 Record: 12-7-1 (6-2-1 Landmark Conference)
  • 2024 Projected Finish: 4th

Drew University welcomes new Head Coach Brendan Michael, who takes over a program that finished third in the Landmark Conference last season. The Rangers will look to build on their success from 2023, where they narrowly missed out on a conference final appearance after a heartbreaking double-overtime loss to Catholic in the semifinals.

The Rangers return several key players for the 2024 season, including forward Alexa Krause, a Second Team All-Region and First Team All-Landmark selection who tallied 11 goals and four assists last year. Midfielder Rebecca Racine, also a First Team All-Landmark pick, contributed five goals and six assists. Forward Kat Kugler, with seven goals and two assists, and Isabella Grof-Tisza, who added two goals and three assists, will bolster the attack. Midfielder Aimee Barsa is expected to be a pivotal presence in the midfield, while goalkeeper Sarah Crowley, the Landmark Conference Rookie of the Year, returns after a strong debut season with a 1.37 GAA and a .750 save percentage.

Drew opens their season against Manhattanville on Aug. 30, with conference play starting on Sept. 28 at Juniata College. A rematch with Catholic is set for Oct. 12.

"The conference is going to be very competitive and that's an exciting environment to come into as a new coach. The team has done a fantastic job embracing new challenges, and they are ready to get back on the field to continue to compete and build on the success of the past few seasons." – Head Coach Brendan Michael

Elizabethtown College

  • Head Coach: Amy Hough (9th Season)
  • 2023 Record: 6-9-3 (3-4-2 Landmark Conference)
  • 2024 Projected Finish: 5th

Elizabethtown College made strides in 2023, finishing fifth in the Landmark Conference. Head Coach Amy Hough, now in her ninth season, will aim to keep the Blue Jays moving in the right direction. With a mix of experienced returners and promising newcomers, Elizabethtown looks to climb higher in the standings this season.

Jenna Hoffman and Mia Cudmore, both 2023 All-Conference selections, return to anchor the Jays this season. They'll be joined by the team's top three-point producers from last year—Maddie McWhinney, Hoffman, and Marisa Vandernick—giving the Jays a strong offensive core as they aim to produce better results this season.

The Blue Jays kick off their season against Muhlenberg on Aug. 30 and will face defending champions Scranton on Sept. 28 to open conference play.

"I am looking forward to having Blue Jay soccer back on the field for the 2024 season. Our conference continues to get more competitive each year, and ultimately accomplishing our mission comes down to being able to focus on the little details that drive results and relationships: fulfilling the daily habits it takes for our team to be at our best on and off the field, competing hard every day, believing in each other, and having fun." -Head Coach Amy Hough

Goucher College

  • Head Coach: Michael Singleton (1st Season)
  • 2023 Record: 4-5-8 (0-4-5 Landmark Conference)
  • 2024 Projected Finish: 9th

Goucher College is looking to bounce back from a tough 2023 season under the leadership of new Head Coach Michael Singleton. With a fresh perspective and renewed energy, the Gophers are eager to improve their standing this year.

The team brings back 21 players from last season, including six starters. Key returners include sophomore goalkeeper Madison Guiterrez, an All-Landmark Second Team selection, and junior forward Cassidy Scott, who contributed four goals and one assist in 2023.

Goucher starts their season at McDaniel on Aug. 30, with their first home game on Sept. 10 against Hood College. Conference play begins on Sept. 28 against Lycoming.

'We are excited for a new season and a chance to improve our standing in the conference this season. The players are working hard and incorporating many ideas into their play." - Head Coach Michael Singleton

Juniata College

  • Head Coach: Joe Alianiello (5th Season)
  • 2023 Record: 4-10-2 (0-7-2 Landmark Conference)
  • 2024 Projected Finish: 10th

Juniata College is looking to improve on a challenging 2023 season as Head Coach Joe Alianiello enters his fifth year at the helm. With several key returners, the Eagles are hoping to rise in the standings.

The team will be anchored by several crucial returners this season. Midfielder Alyssa Bui and defender Gillian Dell bring strong experience and leadership to the squad. Versatile midfielder/defender Aleya Eisenberg and forward Emma Greggo will contribute both defensively and offensively. Goalkeeper Julia Lane, a key presence in goal, and midfielder Dani Scipioni will also be essential to the team's success. Together, these players form the backbone of the squad as they aim for a strong season.

The Eagles open their season at Geneva College on Aug. 30, with their first home game on Sept. 4 against Penn State Altoona. Conference play starts on Sept. 28 against Drew.

"We are very excited for the 2024 season. We have a great group of freshmen and transfers coming in and we hope to build on a successful spring. We look forward to our non-conference schedule preparing us for the grind that is Landmark Conference play." - Head Coach Joe Alianiello

Lycoming College

  • Head Coach: Kenny Fern (8th Season)
  • 2023 Record: 6-5-6 (1-4-4 Landmark Conference)
  • 2024 Projected Finish: 7th

Lycoming College is coming off a season in which they achieved their fourth straight winning record, a program-first. Head Coach Kenny Fern, entering his eighth season, will look to continue that momentum as the Warriors enter their second year in the Landmark Conference.

The Warriors are bringing back key players for the 2024 season, including sophomore Mikayla Long, the 2023 Landmark Conference Rookie of the Year, and senior defender Haley Schafer, a 2023 Honorable Mention All-Landmark selection. In addition to these standout performers, 10 starters from last year's squad return, a group that helped set a school record with six ties during the 2023 campaign. Despite finishing just three points shy of a playoff spot, the Warriors are poised to make a strong push this season.

The Warriors begin their season at Pitt-Greensburg on Aug. 30, with their first conference match set for Sept. 28 at Goucher.

"We are one of the most talented teams from top to bottom since I have been with the program. We have a lot of experience, especially on our defensive end and we have some really talented young forwards and midfielders that have shown a lot of promise. Just like last year, we aren't going to back down from any opponent, but we do have to find the right mix to put a few more goals in the back of the net and limit our miscues defensively. When we find that mix, we're going to be a tough matchup." – Head Coach Kenny Fern

Moravian University

  • Head Coach: Jeff Ykoruk (11th Season)
  • 2023 Record: 8-5-4 (5-2-2 Landmark Conference)
  • 2024 Projected Finish: 3rd

Moravian University had a strong 2023 season, finishing fourth in the conference standings. Head Coach Jeff Ykoruk, entering his 11th season, will look to guide the Greyhounds to even greater heights in 2024. With a solid core returning, Moravian has the potential to make a deep postseason run.

Moravian will seek to replace the shot-stopping duo of Payce Korpics and Paige Harrison, who split time between the posts. However, the Greyhounds are bringing back a strong roster for the 2024 season, highlighted by several key returners. Senior defender Hailey Scaff, the 2023 Landmark Defender of the Year and a United Soccer Coaches (USC) All-Region Second Team selection, will lead the defense alongside senior Cori Pursel, who earned Landmark Second Team honors.

In midfield, Anika Buzzy and Sydney DeFranco bring valuable experience, with Buzzy named to the Landmark Second Team honors and DeFranco receiving Honorable Mention last year. Senior forward Carly Pyatt, also a Landmark First Team selection in 2023, will be a key offensive threat. Additionally, Chelsea Meltzer, a senior midfielder and the 2021 Landmark Conference Rookie of the Year, returns after making the All-Conference Second Team in 2023. The Greyhounds will benefit from having 19 players back from last season, providing a solid foundation for the upcoming campaign.

The Blue & Grey open their season against Lebanon Valley on Aug. 30, with their first conference match set for Sept. 28 at home against Catholic.

"We are excited about our returning players and promising newcomers. The experienced upperclassmen have built a strong chemistry over previous seasons and are expected to lead by example on and off the field." - Head Coach Jeff Ykoruk

University of Scranton

  • Head Coach: Colleen Pivirotto (25th Season)
  • 2023 Record: 13-4-3 (8-1-0 Landmark Conference)
  • 2024 Projected Finish: 1st

Scranton heads into the 2024 season with a target on their back as the four-time defending Landmark Conference champions. Despite losing key player, All-Landmark Second Team defender Kaylee Murphy, the Royals are still a strong contender under the leadership of experienced Head Coach Colleen Pivirotto.

The Royals enter the new season with a strong foundation of experience, anchored by standout forward Niamh Healy, who had a stellar 2023 with 19 goals. Healy’s exceptional performance last season earned her the Landmark Championship MVP, a second straight Landmark Conference Offensive Player of the Year award, and All-American recognition. Alongside Healy are key contributors including senior forward Emily Bannon, junior defender Liv Enderle, graduate midfielder Mary Haggerty, and senior goalkeeper Nikki Olson—all of whom earned All-Region honors. Bannon and Haggerty also shared the Landmark Conference lead with nine assists each last season and graduate student forward Claire Mulholland who earned All-Landmark Second Team honors with two goals and five assists in 2023, adding further depth to the Royals’ experienced lineup.

The Royals open their season at the Cougar Classic, facing Kean on Aug. 30 and Stockton on Aug. 31. They will host their first home game against Vassar on Sept. 7 and kick off conference play against Elizabethtown on Sept. 28.

"We are excited to get started with the 2024 season. We play a challenging non-conference schedule to help prepare us for a competitive Landmark Conference. With a strong group of veteran players and a talented freshman class, the expectations are high for the season" - Head Coach Colleen Pivirotto

Susquehanna University

  • Head Coach: Nick Hoover (12th Season)
  • 2023 Record: 4-9-5 (2-3-4 Landmark Conference)
  • 2024 Projected Finish: 6th

After a strong late-season push that secured a playoff spot with a 2-0 win over Drew on the final day of the regular season, Susquehanna University is looking to build on that momentum under Head Coach Nick Hoover, who enters his 12th season. Despite the challenge of replacing key players like Emily Wertz and Gillian Maack, the River Hawks are focused on making a return to the postseason.

Senior defender Chloe Michaels and senior midfielder Cierra Getz are among the experienced returners expected to drive the team's success. Michaels, an All-Landmark Second Team selection, was a key figure in the back line, while Getz, an All-Landmark Honorable Mention, played a significant role in the midfield. Together, they will be crucial in leading Susquehanna's bid for a strong season.

Susquehanna opens their season against Misericordia on Aug. 30, with conference play starting at home against Wilkes on Sept. 28.

“I am excited for our upcoming season having so many new faces joining an already very hard working and high level returning group. The infusion of some excellent talent and even better people has helped us have an cohesive and competitive preseason. We’re looking forward to pushing each other day in and day out in training to help us win some big games this fall.” - Head Coach Nick Hoover

Wilkes University

  • Head Coach: John McNichol (7th Season)
  • 2023 Record: 3-6-7 (1-4-4 Landmark Conference)
  • 2024 Projected Finish: 8th

Wilkes University is entering its second season in the Landmark Conference with a clear focus on improvement after a tough 2023 campaign. Head Coach John McNichol, now in his seventh season, is joined by new assistant coach Lily Cross, the former Head Coach at Keystone, as they prepare for the 2024 season. With a blend of incoming talent and seasoned players, the Colonels are determined to make strides and establish themselves as strong competitors in the Landmark Conference.

A key challenge will be replacing former goalkeeper Hannah Landis, whose outstanding performances were central to the team's defense last year. Landis, with a 0.784 save percentage and 200 career saves, was instrumental in keeping the Colonels in many games and earned Landmark Athlete of the Week honors last September. While her absence creates a gap, the team is ready to step up. Senior defender Alex Holmstrom and forward Sarah Eliff will be crucial to the Colonels' success this season, bringing leadership and experience to a team eager to prove itself.

Wilkes kicks off its 2024 season on Aug. 31 against Oswego State and will begin conference play on Sept. 28 at Susquehanna.

"We are very excited for our second year in the Landmark Conference. Each conference game is going to be a big challenge, as each team is very talented. Overall we have a great mix of returning players and first-years who are looking to make an impact. We are looking forward to the start of the 2024 season and testing ourselves in one of the top conferences in the country." - Head Coach John McNichol