Douglas Royals Off-Season Forecast

The Douglas Royals women’s soccer team is itching to get onto the pitch for the upcoming PACWEST season after missing the campaign in 2020. Like the rest of the Conference the Royals will open the season on September 18th when they visit the Langara Falcons before their home opener the next day when they welcome the Capilano Blues.

Speaking of the Blues they were the Royals last meaningful game on October 25th of 2019 when the Royals fell in a heartbreaker in penalty kicks (4-3) in the PACWEST semi-finals.

What’s New With the Royals:

For the most part the Royals will look similar to 2019 other than adding assistant coach Amelia Ng along with a pair of new strength coaches Cody Low and Tom Clifford.

Key Grads:

Taylor Wettig – she will be missed leading the Royals in her fifth year in 2019. She played all 12 games that season and finished with three goals.

Alyssa Lum – she shared the team lead with four goals in 2019 playing in all 12 games.

What They Needed:

During the playing hiatus the Royals made a point to add depth and competition at each position. Head Coach Chris Laxton believes they have done exactly that and is looking forward to seeing his player compete for each starting position.

Counting On:

Hannah dela Cruz – she is a main piece of the Royals defence and will be looked upon as a rock on the backend heading into her third year.

Martina Pettenon – she played in nine games during the 2019 season as a gritty forward. The coaching staff hopes she will continue her competitive edge entering her fourth season.

Alicia Skirzyk – she was just a rookie in 2019 playing in 10 of the Royals 12 games. The coaching staff is hoping her experience as a rookie can help add some production numbers this upcoming year.

The Royals will open the season on the 18th and will once again play their home games at Town Centre Park at Cunnings Field in Coquitlam.