The Coastal Carolina women’s soccer team is gearing up for an exciting start to the 2024 regular season as they prepare to face off against the Richmond Spiders at the new CCU Soccer Stadium on August 15th at 7 p.m. ET. After a challenging 2023 season with a 3-12-2 overall record and a 0-8-2 Sun Belt record, the Chants are looking to turn things around and make a statement in the upcoming season.
One of the key additions to the 2024 coaching staff is volunteer assistant coach Paul Saliba, who brings 15 years of coaching experience to the team. Saliba was also a member of Drexel’s Hall of Fame-inducted soccer team, which tied the all-time single-season win record in 1998. His expertise and experience will undoubtedly be valuable assets to the team as they strive for success in the new season.
The match against Richmond will mark the first of nine home contests that will take place at the new CCU Soccer Complex. With a 10-11-2 record in season-opening matches since the program’s creation in 2000, the Chants will be looking to start the season on a high note and set the tone for the rest of their campaign.
In 2023, Coastal Carolina played in nine one-goal matches, winning only two of them. This statistic highlights the team’s competitiveness and ability to stay in close games, but also underscores the importance of converting close matches into victories. With a roster that includes seven international players from countries like England, Australia, Spain, Germany, Norway, and New Zealand, the Chants boast a diverse and talented squad that is ready to take on any challenge.
On the other side of the field, the Richmond Spiders had a 3-11-4 overall record in 2023, with a 1-8-1 record in A-10 conference play. Despite losing their top two goal-scorers, the Spiders have added nine freshmen and a graduate student to their 2024 roster. Key players like Emma Shields and Casey Merz will be looking to step up and fill the scoring void left by their departed teammates, while starting keeper Taylor Montague will aim to anchor the defense and keep the team competitive.
When it comes to head-to-head history, Coastal Carolina has a 0-2-1 record against Richmond. The two teams first met in 2009, with the Spiders securing a 3-0 shutout victory. In their most recent encounter in September 2021, Richmond emerged victorious with a 2-0 win. However, the Chanticleers did manage to battle the Spiders to a 3-3 tie in double overtime during their lone contest in Conway, S.C., showing that they are capable of competing with their opponents.
Fans can purchase tickets for the upcoming match by visiting the Coastal Carolina Athletics Ticket Office website or by contacting them directly. For complete coverage of CCU women’s soccer, fans can follow the team on social media or visit the official home of Coastal Carolina Athletics online.
As the Coastal Carolina women’s soccer team prepares to kick off their 2024 season, there is a sense of anticipation and excitement surrounding the team. With a mix of experienced coaching staff, talented players, and a competitive spirit, the Chants are ready to take on the challenges that lie ahead and make their mark in the upcoming season.