UCLA Women’s Soccer 2016 Season Preview

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Dec 6, 2013; Cary, NC, USA; UCLA Bruins midfielder Caprice Dydasco (3) and defender Megan Oyster (21) and forward Kodi Lavrusky (10) and midfielder Annie Alvarado (2) react after their team won on penalty kicks. The Bruins defeated the Caviliers 4-2 on penalty kicks at WakeMed Soccer Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Players to Watch

Unlike the beginning of the 2015 season, this time, the Bruins have seven seniors returning. Among the stars to highlight, expect Gabbi Miranda, Annie Alvarado, and Courtney Proctor to show their experience. These Bruins will also be eager to leave their mark in their last year, so the hunger to win big will be noticeable.

The competition for the goalkeeper position is about to get interesting. Junior Siri Ervik is returning to the Bruins, bringing with her the experience. However, in the eight games she played last season, she allowed a total of 16 goals. That is not a comforting stat for the keeper.

On the other hand, the Bruins will be adding to the roster freshman Teagan Micah, who hails from Australia. Micah has not seen any playing time with the Bruins, but she has played for Australian team Western Sydney Wanderers. Micah also has big hands, quick feet, and she’s a bit taller than Ervik. Even if the veteran gets the start, I see Micah seeing action with the Bruins very early on.

But this isn’t all. The Bruins incoming freshman class is ranked No. 1 in the nation, and there’s good reason for that. Freshmen Mal Pugh and Jessie Fleming are currently representing Teams USA and Canada, respectively in Rio. Just this week, Pugh became the difference maker for USA as she scored her first Olympic goal against Colombia.

Also joining the team are Marley Canales, Jacey Pederson, Kaiya McCullough, and Sunny Dunphy. Transfer Julia Hernandez, who has already seen some action with the Bruins, will also make her presence felt early on.

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