In less than 24 hours, the Montclair State Red Hawks Women's Soccer team will open up their 2023 campaign in Reading against the Golden Wolves of Alvernia. The NJAC preseason polls ranked them 2nd just behind top-ranked Rowan, who is coming off a conference title.
Head coach Pat Naughter is entering his 14th season at the helm, and this year’s squad has everything it takes to go all the way. Montclair entered the postseason last year as the top seed and clinched a spot in the finals after an electrifying shootout against Rutgers-Newark. They later met Rowan in the finals and fell 2-1, but still acquired an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament. The Red Hawks made it to the 2nd round, but the fairytale season came to an end in round two.
Returning Players:
Aileen Cahill: Anyone who saw Montclair play last season knows that Cahill is one of the team’s key players. The All-American Senior started all 21 games and led the team in each offensive category with 16 goals, nine assists and 41 points.
Haley Martin: Martin enters her grad year coming off a lights-out season as goalkeeper for the Red Hawks. In 21 games, Martin had 41 saves, allowing only 13 goals helping the team to 17 wins on the year.
Kylie Pendergast: The Sophomore forward earned NJAC Rookie of The Year last year when she burst onto the scene for the Red Hawks. Pendergast started in 19 out of the 21 games for Montclair and had 40 total showt, with 13 hitting the back of the net. Kylie also had six assists and will, once again, pair well with Cahill as a one-two punch at forward and midfielder.
Key Games:
9/27 @ Stockton:
The Red Hawks walked through Stockton last year, topping them 4-0 at MSU Soccer Park. This year, the Ospreys come in ranked 4th according to NJAC’s Preseason Poll and have been dubbed the league's “Dark Horse.” While some of their top scorers have left, they have a young core, and a road game in late September will be a great first test for Montclair.
10/7 vs. Rowan:
If the NJAC had flex scheduling like the NFL does—to turn day games into primetime night games—this would easily be the top choice. A rematch of last year's NJAC Finals will be on hand as Rowan visits the Hawk’s Nest. The Red Hawks should have a chip on their shoulder as they fell twice to Rowan last year, each time by one goal. This game will be one to mark on the calendar, as Rowan’s top defense goes up against Cahill and the Montclair offense.
We are less than 24 hours away from the Women’s Soccer team’s 2023 season opener. Buckle up folks, this year is going to be a fun one for the Red Hawks!
