The Virginia women’s soccer team received the No. 11 ranking in the first preseason poll from the United Soccer Coaches — the same spot where the Cavaliers finished last season after making it to the Round of 16 in the NCAA Tournament and posting a 15-5-2 record.
Virginia returns 15 letterwinners from last year’s team, and the team is also bringing in a highly-esteemed recruiting class.
The four incoming freshmen all have international experience, with goalkeeper Laurel Ivory playing on the U17 World Cup Team and U20 Women’s National Team, midfielder Taryn Torres playing for the U17 and U19 Women’s National Team, forward/midfielder Sofia Weiner playing for the U18 Women’s National Team and midfielder/defender Sydney Zandi playing on the U17 Women’s World Cup Team and U19 Women’s National Team.
In addition to the new talent on the roster, the Cavaliers also have experience in nine upperclassmen. Among them is senior forward Veronica Latsko, who scored eight goals and had three assists last year. Latsko was named a preseason All-ACC selection by the league’s coaches.
Virginia’s offense is also strengthened by sophomore forward Taylor Ziemer, who picked up eight goals last season, sophomore forward Alissa Gorzak, who was a third team All-ACC selection her freshman year and sophomore midfielder Zoe Morse, who was named to the All-ACC Freshman team last season.
The Cavaliers also welcome back sophomore defender/midfielder Courtney Petersen, who spent last fall playing for the United States in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
The talented team will be tested early, with a game against preseason No. 1 West Virginia on Aug. 24. In addition to facing West Virginia — the runner-up in last year’s NCAA tournament — the Cavaliers will play five other teams ranked in the USC Top 25 preseason rankings.
While Virginia’s schedule is difficult, a team trip to Europe over the summer developed team chemistry and gave the team a chance to face tough competition. During their European travels, the Cavaliers experimented with players in different positions and prepared for the demanding challenges of the upcoming season.
Virginia began season play with a 2-0 road victory against UNC-Wilmington, and the Cavaliers’ first home game will be Aug. 27 against Liberty University.
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