Olds College soccer squads ready to push higher

Third-year striker Tiona Paton believes that defeat can serve as motivation for the team which has nine returning players.

“Heading into that play-in game, we knew it was going to be one of, if not the, hardest game we played that season,” the Morinville native said. “I think lots of people underestimated our team that game, but with how well we played, I think that helped us gain more respect.”

Paton scored 16 times last year and was an ACAC All-Conference selection, along with teammate Kassidy Kelly.

The Broncos have also been busy on the transfer front, securing commitments from Jessie Kurek (St. Paul, Alta. / Northwestern Polytechnic) and Morgan Tole (Medicine Hat, Alta. / Medicine Hat College), while also injecting some local flavour in the form of Olds High School product Brynn Smith and having a familiar face in midfielder Jayna Espie-Sanderson (Edmonton, Alta.) return to the program after two seasons away.

“From day one, our team has been amazing towards one another, helping each other out on and off the pitch,” she said. “We have some funny characters and bold personalities, which keeps things interesting. Honestly, every person brings something different to the team, and there is never a dull moment.”

On the men’s side, it was a similar level of success as the team went 4-2-4 last season, losing a play-in against the RDP Kings.

(Olds College)

The men have added depth across the board and should have repeated success on the back-line, which allowed 10 goals all last season.

Central to the defensive efforts will be returning internationals Pedro Noschang and Emmanuel Mukolo, the latter looking to build off his ACAC South All-Conference selection.

“We didn’t finish the season how we wanted, so we’re playing with a chip on our shoulder trying to prove everyone who doubted us wrong,” Mukolo said. “That’s what’s motivating us this year, because we know the level we can play at, and I am very confident as one of the leaders in this team that we are absolutely ready to take the big step forward.”

Mukolo strongly believes the Broncos are ready to compete at the ACAC’s highest level.

“We promise the Broncos family and the fans that take their time to watch us play that we are not going to miss the championship this year,” he said. “We are highly motivated to be in the championship, and as a team, we are willing to do whatever it takes to make sure that happens.”

(with files from Olds College)

by Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Olds College soccer squads ready to push higher

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