POTSDAM – With the return of several All-Stars and two consecutive Liberty League playoff appearances, the Clarkson University women’s soccer team looks to take another step forward in the conference standings in 2024.

Led by head coach Zac Shaw and assistants Marlene Fries and Caitlyn Ferreira, the Green-Goldens will open the 2024 season on August 30 at home against city rival SUNY Potsdam.

Last season, the Knights achieved their best winning percentage in program history at 11-5-2.

The team also posted the lowest goals-against average in the 40-plus year history of Clarkson football (0.67), achieved its first national ranking in program history and remained in the regional rankings throughout 2023.

The Golden Knights’ goalie will once again be the experienced Molly DiCaprio, who is well on her way to setting numerous goalkeeping records under Clarkson.

DiCaprio, a three-time conference all-star and all-region selection last year, is one win away from matching the all-time record at Clarkson, and she needs one more shutout to set a new standard for the Knights. Those marks would go along with potentially the lowest goals-against average in program history, a mark she currently holds at 1.01.

Last season, she had seven solo shutouts and two more clean sheets while posting a 0.64 goals-against average and a .867 save percentage.

While the Knights will certainly miss Emily Colby on defense and Aspen Tlapa on midfield, Clarkson has plenty of veterans returning on defense. Junior Julia Tylar has been a two-year starter for the Knights, while sophomore Arin Bates was a conference all-star as a defensive midfielder. Paige Ford looks to be taking on a larger role in her third season at Clarkson, and senior Rachel Williams has always been a key player for the Knights, either as a starter or as a valuable reserve.

Her experienced colleague Grace Smith will also provide more depth in defense.

Clarkson’s midfield should be a strength this year with several standout players returning. Sophomore Maddie Lopol was on her way to another All-Star season before getting injured, scoring eight points in eight games when the conference season had just begun. Lopol’s return bolsters an already strong midfield, as conference All-Star Emily Davis’ offense ramped up to nine points with four goals and an assist last year, matching her regular, solid possession play.

Freshmen Callie Abel and Riley Irvin saw plenty of action in 2023: Abel started all 18 games and Irvin appeared in 15, including five starts. That experience will be crucial as the team looks to stop the opposing offense before it can really get going.

On offense, senior Chloe Hodge earned her second All-Star nomination a year ago and also earned all-region mentions as she led the team with 17 points on seven goals and three assists. Hodge led the conference in shots on goal per game (1.65) and ranked second in total shots (3.06) while ranking third in goals (7) and points (17).

Newcomers Emma Robinson and Brooke Everest made an immediate impact on offense, combining for seven goals and 17 points. The duo could get more opportunities in their sophomore season. Junior Lillian Gillett has also proven to be a valuable offensive force in her first two seasons, scoring nine goals and three assists for 21 points. Senior Haley Archambault has also appeared in 22 games over three seasons, recording one goal and one assist in 2023.

Last season, the Knights only brought in four newcomers, but all of them contributed to Clarkson’s successful season. That will likely be the case again, as another talented group has arrived in Potsdam.

Clarkson has bolstered his defense with Alina Krdzic, Brooke Butler and Rachael Matthews, while the midfield will be more offensive with Jamie Dahlgard, Emily LeBlanc and Aurora Zary. In goal, DiCaprio will once again be the starter, but Isabelle Wood and Payton Malec are capable substitutes for non-league games and one-sided affairs.