Linfield University campus is abuzz with the anticipation of not only the start of classes but also the start of the fall sports season. Among the excitement are high expectations the Wildcat women's soccer team has for themselves.
 
"We want to be higher in the table," said head coach Steve Simmons. "I think fifth place was a fair result last season and you know the table doesn't lie."
 
Simmons is entering the sixth season of his second stint at the helm and has maintained that climbing up the table is the goal for 2024. To do so, Simmons is hopeful the team can be more aggressive on the defensive front.
 
Defensive Effort
In 2023, the 'Cats conceded 31 goals throughout the season, a number Simmons wants to sharply reduce.
 
"Our defensive effort is going to come from our front six. We'd like to be a team that presses a little more than in the past," said Simmons. "If we can do that, we'll hopefully see a decrease in goals against."
 
Linfield looks to experienced leaders such as Jenna Stanley, a 2023 NWC all-conference honorable mention, along with senior Kami Echiverri and graduate student transfer Rae Gerking from the University of Wyoming,.
 
The Attack
The Linfield offense is anchored by top returning goal-scorer Riley Omonaka, junior Mia Curtaz from the midfield and Jocelyn Jacobs at forward. 
 
Omonaka is expected to build off a strong 2023 season in which she netted five goals to go along with one assist.
 
Sophomore midfielder McKenzie Heckman is likely to continue the trajectory of her impressive freshman campaign in which she appeared in 20 contests and racked up a total of 860 minutes.
 
Goalie by Committee
A season-ending injury sidelined goalkeeper Emilee Miller for the final half of last season and will keep her out for at least the beginning of the 2024 season.
 
Given the injury, Alexa Fritz is likely to anchor the goalkeeping unit throughout the season with Maddie Funk, Faith Richards, Tati Zahajko and Kylie Rouspil providing ample depth.
 
The Schedule
The Wildcats kick their season off Friday, Aug. 30, when they face the Hawks from Columbia Basin College, the first of five straight home matches. From there, Linfield plays home matchups with fellow NCAA Division III opponents Caltech and Cal Lutheran before beginning Northwest Conference play against Pacific on Sept. 15.
 
Senior Day comes against the rival Bearcats from Willamette as the penultimate match of the season on Nov. 9.