Soccer | 8/30/2016 4:37:00 PM

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MOORHEAD, Minn. — A new era begins this week for Minnesota State University Moorhead women's soccer as the Dragons open the 2016 season on Thursday with a nonconference home game against Minnesota Crookston. Game time is 4 p.m. at the MSUM Soccer Field. The game will mark the debut for MSUM under the direction of Head Coach Christie Chappell.
 
"I am looking for the team to be organized and disciplined in what we are trying to accomplish." Chappell said.  "The team will only gain more cohesion as the season goes which will allow us to expand our tactical options.  It's been so new for every one and I think the growth of the team throughout the year can be significant. Ultimately if they play with passion and leave it all on the field every game then the possibilities are endless."   

MSUM has four seniors on this year's roster who have combined for 142 starts in their Dragon careers.

Senior captain Jessica Johnson is entering her fourth season as a starter, having started 44 games during the previous three seasons.  Ashley Germann has started 41 games the past three seasons.  Megan Selanders, also a team captain, has missed time because of injury but has played in 32 games in her career. Senior captain Micah Palmer anchors the defender position. She has started 40 games the previous year and is a three-time winner of the team's Hustle Award.

"All four seniors care tremendously about leaving their mark on the program this season.  Their leadership has been so valuable for this team as we start a new chapter of Dragon Soccer," Chappell said. "I am lucky that I really have two creative attackers and two tenacious defenders in this group, it allows for experience in these critical parts of the game."

In addition to the four seniors, the roster is comprised of five juniors, seven sophomores and nine freshmen who are all going to have an impact on this program. 

"It really takes a team to make Dragon Soccer successful," Chappell said. "It will take all 25 players, coaches, athletic trainers, strength and conditioning staff, administration, sports information, professors, advisors family, alumni and everyone behind the scenes that gives time and effort to allow us to have this amazing opportunity."
 
Thursday's game is one of 11 home contests on the schedule for MSUM.

"When you leave the field after seeing us play I hope you saw an unbelievably hard working group of strong young women who love to compete, enjoy playing the game of soccer and are really proud to be a Dragon," Chappell said.