By Josh Shwaykowski
The Holland Hurricanes women's soccer team made it back to the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA) playoffs again this year.
While they did not repeat as ACAA champions, the team played well throughout the season and battled until the end.
Although they came up short of their championship goals, head coach Jonathan Vos said he was happy with the team’s level of play.
“Heading into the season, there were a lot of unknowns. We had a high turnover from last year, and I think we had nine rookies on the team,” he said. “But they were great. They came in with awesome attitudes, worked hard every day, came together as a team really well, and were extremely competitive, which I was really impressed with.”
The `Canes started their first weekend of the season with 4-0 and 6-0 wins against the Crandall University Chargers and Dalhousie Rams.
But the team let its foot off the gas, and in its next four games, they tied three and lost one. At the midway point of the season, the Hurricanes were comfortably in a playoff spot with a record of 2-1-3.
They clearly wanted more, as they would win their next three games to try and make a push for the top spot in the standings.
“Their level of play was high and fairly steady, which was really nice to see out of first-year players,” said Vos. “We had good balance on the field, and some returning players played great for us, which helped us climb the standings.”
The team was playing well but went through a tough stretch in their last three games. Dealing with injuries, they went 0-2-1 to finish in third place overall.
The Hurricanes would face the University of King’s College (UKC) Blue Devils in the semi-finals of the ACAA Championships.
With the championship game in their sights, the `Canes started strong, with the first goal of the match being scored by midfielder Hayden Chaisson in the 26th minute. But UKC wouldn’t back down, scoring six minutes into the second half and tying the game 1-1.
That would be the last goal of regular time, as the game was tied 1-1 after the 90th minute and would go to extra time.
Extra time was even more challenging.
“I remember being in that extra time and looking down the bench, everyone was dealing with an injury. It was tough because I remember thinking who was injured the least.”
UKC scored just five minutes into extra time to make it 2-1, but Chaisson would score again for the `Canes seven minutes later, tying the game again.
The Blue Devils answered quickly with another goal just three minutes later, putting UKC back on top.
The `Canes couldn't find another goal, and their season would end with a loss in the semifinals of the ACAA playoffs.
“It was disappointing; it was a hard-fought game. We were hoping to be in the ACAA finals,” said Vos. “I think it’s a great lesson learned for our group of first years, the toll a season can take, how to take care of your body on and off the field, to make sure you’re coming in physically fit which is important.”
The strong group of first-year players has Vos looking forward to next year's team.
“Overall, the players showed they’re ready to compete, and they're ready to take that extra step.”
Individually, Hayden Chaisson and Karissa George were recognized as ACAA First-Team All-Conference players, while Georgia Doucette and Matsuri Sako were named to the second-team.
The Hurricanes 2025 ACAA regular season schedule will be released soon, as will details on Booster Club memberships for fans wanting to secure season tickets for the season ahead.
Connect with the women’s soccer ‘Canes at https://x.com/CanesWSoccerhttps://www.instagram.com/caneswsoccer/
For more information on the Holland Hurricanes, please visit www.hollandhurricanes.com,www.facebook.com/hollandhurricanes, www.twitter.com/hc_Hurricanes and www.instagram.com/hollandhurricanes.
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