July 30, 2021 – Bradenton, FL –
With the women’s soccer eason set to begin in just under a month, the teams in the Sooner Athletic Conference make their last preparations for a successful 2021 season. The season begins August 21st, and the teams are eager to get started. There’s some serious talent in the league this year and I’ll be grading each team based on what I expect from them in their 2021 season.
Central Christian College of Kansas: C+
The Tigers finished last season with a record of 8-10. However, they finished the season poorly, losing 4 of their last 5 games. However, they do have Alexa Riddle returning for her senior season and looking to lead the team in both goals and assists again.
John Brown University: A+
The Golden Eagles went perfect last season finishing 12-0. They have their four highest point scorer’s returning this year in Sienna Carballo, Paige Kula, Lauren Walter, and Ryan Winingham. I expect the Golden Eagles to have another dominant season.
Mid-America Christian University: A-
Mid-America Finished last season with a record of 15-3, with 2 of their 3 losses coming by only one goal. They have the core of the team returning again next season so we can expect similar things out of the Evangels.
Oklahoma City University: B
The Stars had a fairly short season last year but still finished with a 9-4 record, with only one of their losses at home. OCU will return their leading goal scorer, Sofia Carvajal Granados, for her junior year. With a full, healthy team this season look for the Stars to improve.
Oklahoma Panhandle State University: D-
The Aggies had a disappointing season last year, finishing just 1-14. They scored just 12 goals throughout the season and finished on a fourteen-game losing streak. The Aggies hope to bounce back this year and prove their talent.
Southwestern Assemblies of God University: C
The Lions started hot last season, winning their first three matches but then dropping nine of their next eleven matches, ultimately resulting in a 5-9 record. Their leading scorer, Kyleigh Cano will be returning stronger than ever. I anticipate the Lions to improve slightly and finish with a record around .500.
Southwestern Christian University: C-
The Eagles finished last season with a 5-9 record last season. However, their leading goal scorer, Megan Deshazo has finished her senior season and is not eligible to return, leaving a large gap in the team. The Eagles will have to work hard to fill that gap and may struggle.
Texas Wesleyan University: B-
The Rams finished last year’s season playing only ten games and winning six of them. However, their leading scorer, who had 10 of the teams 19 goals last season, Savanna Barron is graduating and unable to return. The Rams will need someone to step up and increase their goal numbers if they look to have another winning season.
University of Science & Arts Oklahoma: A
The Drovers finished last season with a 13-5 record and look to carry that success into this season. They finished the season winning eight out of their last 10 matches and are hopeful the momentum sticks with the team. The leader of the team, Emma Rice is returning for her senior season, along with other key players such as Alicia Rey and Mackenzie Holub. I expect great things from the Drovers this year.
Wayland Baptist University: C-
The Pioneers finished last season with a record of 4-8. They started the season winning their first three games and then went 1-8 the rest of the way. They hope to shake off the rust from last year and get back to winning. That will be difficult as they’re losing Bianca Roman who had eight of the teams sixteen goals last season.
