Coming off arguably the most successful season in school history, expectations remain unwaveringly high for women’s soccer in 2010 despite the graduation of two of its most talented players.

“Our goal is to win a MAAC Championship as it is ever year,” said head coach Jim Wendling. “With two top-four finishes in the last two years, we hope to at least make it back there, but the goal is to win it all.”

In order to reach its goal of a MAAC Championship in 2010, Wendling has to replace a successful senior class, which included the team’s leading scorer in Sylvia Kowalski. Despite the loss of the talented group, Wendling made it perfectly clear the team philosophy will remain unchanged in 2010.

“I’m an attacking coach and that’s what this team will do,” Wendling said. “That will not change, we will attack and hopefully score goals.”

In 2009 the Griffs’ offense was a force to be reckoned with, leading the MAAC in goals (42), points (121) and goals per game (2.10). Kowalski led the way, ranking first in the conference in goals and points (14 goals 11 assists for 39 points).

Canisius will look to its upperclassmen to fill the offensive void, most notably juniors Jenny Griffin and Kelly Reinwald.

In addition to Griffin and Reinwald, Canisius returns 17 total letterwinners and its clear that the strength of the team is chemistry. Thirteen of the team’s 24 players on the roster are upperclassman, and that experience will help them succeed.

“We have great chemistry on this team. Any time you have girls that like each other and work hard together, you’re going to have a team that plays better,” Wendling said.

Forwards
The Griffs’ high-powered attack will look a bit different entering 2010, with sure-footed Kowalski now gone, Canisius will look to some familiar faces to step-up in her place. The Griffs will rely heavily on two members of the 2009 All-MAAC Second Team, Griffin and sophomore Brooke Bandazian.

Much of the onus for the unit will fall on the shoulders of Griffin. Recording four goals and six assists for 14 points, Griffin ranked seventh in the MAAC in assists and was third on the team in points.

“With Sylvia gone, we are going to look to Jenny for a lot of our offense,” Wendling said. “Jenny is someone who is going to have to step up for us. She is going to get opportunities to score that she didn’t get last year and I think she’s ready for the challenge.”

Bandazian earned second-team honors during her freshman year, scoring two goals and one assist for five points. One of those tallies was a game-winner against MAAC-rival Iona.

“In order to be successful we’re going to count on Brooke’s continued progress,” Wendling said. “She was second-team All-MAAC so the talent is obviously there.”

One recruit that should make an immediate impact for Canisius is freshman Brianna Smith. Smith accrued a laundry list of accolades between her high school and club teams setting new school records in career goals and assists and winning the NY State Cup in 2007 and 2008 on her club team, Syracuse FC.

“Bri Smith is a really talented athlete and we can’t wait to see what she can do out there,” said coach Wendling.

Midfielders
Canisius’ greatest strength this season may be their midfield. Reinwald will be joined by quality starters, such as senior captains Laura Ellis and Kasey Makowski.

“Midfield is where we are our strongest,” Wendling said. “By Putting Kelly, Kasey and Laura out there, we feel really good about that group.”

Reinwald might be the team’s highest-regarded player heading into 2010. Securing preseason accolades and winning multiple All-MAAC First Team honors (2008 and 2009), expectations are high for the senior. She was second on the team in scoring in 2009 with four goals and seven assists for 15 points and was tied for fifth in the MAAC with her seven assists.

“Like Jenny, Kelly is someone who is going to have to step up for us this year and lead our team,” Wendling said. “She’s been very successful her first two seasons with us and we look for her to continue that trend.”

Ellis, a strong all-around athlete, was fifth on the team in points with four goals, two assists for 10 points. Makowski placed fourth on the team in points with 11 (four goals and six assists), adding to the unit’s depth. Both will be looked upon as team leaders, especially Ellis.

“As far as leadership, Laura Ellis is the focal point of this team,” Wendling said. “The kid wants to win. She pushes the team and pushes herself to be the best, and the team rallies around that.”

Keily Funk provides the Griffs another asset at the midfield position. Funk played in 16 games while starting four and recorded three goals for six points, bringing a lot energy to the Griffs lineup.

Junior Christina Gullo and sophomore Emily Paquette add experience and depth to the midfield position as both saw significant time for the Griffs in 2009. Gullo scored one goal for two points and Paquette recorded two shots during the season.

Freshman Kelly McMahon is another intriguing recruit for the Griffs as she has the ability to pay instant dividends for the team. McMahon also had a decorated background as she won MVP awards in multiple sports including soccer and volleyball, as well as winning four soccer club provincial championships.

Backs
The Griffs return five players from their backfield in 2009, two of which started more then 10 games. Juniors Dina Gabrielli and Christina Franceschi will anchor the Griffs defense. Senior Camille Blum who started two games and played in 11 will also start for the Griffs this season.

“The unit is progressing every day they’re on the field,” Wendling said. “I think they’re coming along and learning how to play without Kathleen Dipasquale, who graduated last year.”

Dipasquale, a 20-game starter and assistant captain for the Griffs, was a defensive stalwart helping contribute to the team’s fifth-place ranking in the MAAC in both shutouts (5) and goals-against per game (1.45). Wendling sees the trio of Gabrielli, Franceschi and Blum filling working together to replace Dipasquale’s presence form last year.

Joining the Canisius squad of defenders is freshman Adrianna Suk. Suk, a recruit from Blairstown N.J., figures to crack the starting lineup for the Griffs and be an immediate contributor.

Goalkeepers
The Griffs return two players to defend their net in 2010. Sophomore Caroline Robert and senior Lesley Ivinac will both be competing for playing time for the Griffs.

“We will start whoever is playing best at the time,” Wendling said “Our goalkeepers possess different skills, but it will come down to who gives us the best chance to win at the end of the day.”

Robert, who played the majority of the year for Canisius, started 12 games last season and posted an 8-3-1 record along with two shutouts. She added a 1.56 goals-against average and a .754 save percentage.

“Caroline is probably our best athlete and technician,” Wendling said. “We expect good things from her this year.”

Ivinac will also be in contention for the starting goalkeeper position as she brings experience with her. Ivinac is a fifth year senior who has not allowed a goal in any of the games she’s played in. She was 1-0-0 in 2009 making five saves against Cleveland State.

“We very much expect Lesley to be in there for us,” Wendling said. “She is very athletic and a great competitor.”

Another candidate for the starting job is freshman Megan Tock. The freshman from Syracuse, N.Y. earned a .940 save percentage her senior year at Marcellus.

“Megan is someone else that could challenge for starting time,” Wendling said. “She’s very athletic and so quick.”

Schedule
The Griffs open their season on the road against La Salle on Sunday, Aug. 22. Less then a week later Canisius kick off its home schedule hosting St. Francis (Pa.) on Friday, Aug. 27. The Griffs also host Wright State, Delaware State and Colgate.

“Our team is going to be challenged this season as we play our toughest non-conference schedule yet,” Wendling said.

The Griffs look to continue their pursuit of a MAAC title on Oct. 1 as the Canisius heads to Maryland to take on Loyola. Canisius hosts MAAC opponents Siena, Marist, Manhattan and Saint Peter’s.

Time Warner will be covering both the Aug. 27 match against St. Francis (Pa.) and the Sept. 26 match against Colgate. Both games will be shown on tape delay and both games will be aired in the Syracuse and Albany area in addition to Buffalo.

(Photo Credit: Tom Wolf)