OGDEN -- As the 2010 college soccer season kicks off tonight, the Wildcats are looking for redemption.
The preseason favorite to win the Big Sky Conference title a year ago, the Weber State University women's soccer team appeared poised for greatness after rolling off victories its first four outings -- including a 1-0 road win over then-No. 23 Utah.
That hot start, however, gave way to a humbling finish to the season that saw the 'Cats win just two of their final 14 matches and miss the postseason for just the third time in school history.
"We were in almost every game," Weber State junior forward Ari Wood said. "We lost nine games by one goal, so we were right there. This year we need to find a way, whatever it takes, to get it done."
Wood, a third-year starter who is moving from the central midfield back into the front line this year, feels like Weber State has the pieces to be a successful team, but needs to make sure it takes care of the little things during matches that make a difference.
"I'm really excited," Wood said. "We like to play really tough teams and see what we can do, and prepare for the (conference) season."
Weber State kicks off its new season tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Rio Tinto Stadium against Utah State. The Wildcats' 2010 schedule features 10 home matches, the most in school history, and brings some of the top regional soccer powers to Wildcat Soccer Field.
Weber State will host two members of the Pac-10 (Washington State, Oregon State), along with St. Mary's of the powerhouse West Coast Conference and in-state rival Utah, along with four home Big Sky matches.
The Wildcats, who boasted a very young squad in 2009, return six starters and 16 letterwinners. Outside defender Alyssa Toomey is the only senior on the team, and will join with key juniors Jessie Baddley, Collette Simmons, Roxy Tebbs and Wood.
"We were pretty young last year and now we have had a chance to play with each other and know each other," Wood said. "I definitely think that will help."
Weber State will also look for big contributions from several incoming freshmen, including central defender Bailey Eames -- who played all 90 minutes during WSU's exhibition match with Utah Valley on Wednesday -- and forward/midfielder Felicia Sorter.
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