Women's Soccer 8/16/2021 1:00:00 PM Chris Brannick

Soccer Opens Camp

EDMOND – The University of Central Oklahoma soccer team reported to fall camp Monday just over two weeks shy of the start of the 2021 season.

SEE THE 2021 UCO SOCCER SCHEDULE HERE

Central Oklahoma is returning to its traditional fall schedule in 2021 after not playing last fall due to the pandemic. The Bronchos did play an unofficial spring season that ended with UCO 8-4-1 and champions of the MIAA's postseason tournament.

Mike Cook is back for season 24 of UCO soccer. The only coach the Bronchos have ever known, along with longtime assistant Amel Muhamedagic, are optimistic about the new season with young talent, depth and some veteran experience that will make Central a team to be reckoned with this fall.

"Well first of all we're all just excited to get back to playing," Cook said. "It'll be interesting to see how everyone looks after not playing last fall, then playing nearly a full spring season and getting right back into it this fall.

"But we are excited about some things we've got going on," Cook continued. "We have a lot of core players coming back. The junior class – they're really seniors – have a lot of experience. In three years, they've won three MIAA tournaments. We're looking to them to lead the team. We've also added a lot of young talent with a lot of athleticism that we're excited to see get out there and find their roles with the team and see where everyone fits."

Student-athletes that were on the roster last fall did not advance a year eligibility wise, so Cook and Muhamedagic have three seniors back for a fifth year and six juniors that are in their fourth year with the program.

"The depth will be good for us," Muhamedagic said. "That competition for minutes is going to make everyone better. And if we can sub in and not lose a step, that gives us confidence in our game plan. The veterans here are pretty good and established and the newcomers are pretty good and eager so it'll be fun to see how it all shakes out in camp."

Central has Kaitlyn Asher back for a fifth year after her senior season was canceled last fall. The Bixby, Oklahoma native led UCO to an MIAA Championship in 2019 and did again, albeit and unofficial league title, this past spring.

Meredith Wilson also returns this fall after her senior season was canceled a year ago. The fifth-year defender has been a mainstay on the backline for four years and will be again this year while helping usher in the newcomers behind her.

Taryn Kedzior, an All-MIAA selection and former MIAA Freshman of the Year, is one of the best backs in the league. She returns for a fourth year looking to continue the dominating trend she's set in her time at Central.

The Broncho midfield is loaded with possibilities. Kaylee Collins and Katy Tullis have been consistent contributors for Central for three years and Monika McGee and Eden Jones have been for the last two years. All four, combined with a slew of newcomers looking to find some minutes on the field, will make UCO's midfield as strong as its reputation.

UCO's forwards are also a competitive bunch. Katie Gasaway is the veteran up front that has served Central well for three years. Brooke Moore also made strides in 2019 as did junior college transfer Hannah Daaboul. Those two, as well as Gasaway, are ready to compete with some newcomers for minutes this fall.

Central opens the 2021 season ranked No. 10 in the country in the United Soccer Coaches Preseason Top 25. The Bronchos will start off with a nationally recognized match. UCO travels to Dallas Baptist on Thursday, Sept. 2 for the season opener. DBU is No. 7 in the preseason coaches' poll. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. in Dallas.

UCO opens its home slate Saturday, Sept. 4 with Midwestern State and a 7 p.m. kickoff at Tom Thompson Field.

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Players Mentioned

#1 Kaitlyn Asher: GK; 5' 7"; Senior

#9 Kaylee Collins: MF; 5' 6"; Junior

#20 Hannah Daaboul: F; 5' 5"; Senior

#16 Katie Gasaway: F; 5' 5"; Junior

#15 Eden Jones: MF; 5' 9"; Sophomore

#14 Taryn Kedzior: D; 5' 11"; Junior

#6 Monika McGee: MF; 5' 6"; Sophomore

#7 Brooke Moore: F; 5' 6"; Sophomore

#17 Katy Tullis: MF; 5' 3"; Junior

#3 Meredith Wilson: D; 5' 9"; Senior

Players Mentioned

#1 Kaitlyn Asher
: 5' 7"; Senior
: GK

#9 Kaylee Collins
: 5' 6"; Junior
: MF

#20 Hannah Daaboul
: 5' 5"; Senior
: F

#16 Katie Gasaway
: 5' 5"; Junior
: F

#15 Eden Jones
: 5' 9"; Sophomore
: MF

#14 Taryn Kedzior
: 5' 11"; Junior
: D

#6 Monika McGee
: 5' 6"; Sophomore
: MF

#7 Brooke Moore
: 5' 6"; Sophomore
: F

#17 Katy Tullis
: 5' 3"; Junior
: MF

#3 Meredith Wilson
: 5' 9"; Senior
: D