The Brock University men’s and women’s soccer teams have finalized their rosters for 2017 as they prepare for the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) regular season, which opens Friday, Aug. 25 with two home contests.

This year is the 10th anniversary of the most successful season in Brock women’s soccer history, marking a decade since the team netted a silver medal at the CIS National Championships in British Columbia.

First-year head coach Kevin Trethowan believes the Brock women can again channel that winning spirit this season, which kicks off at home Friday against the Laurier Golden Hawks.

“Our minimum aim for the season is playoffs, but with the right personnel, attitude and effort, we believe we can go further,” he said. “We are turning a corner at Brock University and are really pushing to put Brock women’s soccer back on the map.”

The Badgers have several key players to watch this season, including second-year goalkeeper Marilena Spagnolo, who is coming off a strong freshman start in 2016; 2013 Rookie of the Year Kara Ross, who returns for her fifth season of eligibility after playing three seasons at NCAA DI Bowling Green in Ohio; and freshman standout Kinley Wilson, who is expected to make an immediate impact in the midfield.

The Brock women have a solid roster size of 23, including 12 players either entering their first season or returning after an absence on the roster.

“We retained 11 players from last season and hopefully we have created the perfect blend of experience and youth to help us move onwards and upwards,” Trethowan said.

With sights set on a playoff berth in 2017, the Brock men’s soccer team open the OUA regular season at home against the Laurier Golden Hawks Friday afternoon.

“We are looking forward to an entertaining season,” said second-year head coach Lucio Ianiero. “The team has several new exciting freshmen that we are hoping can change our fortunes in trying to reach the playoffs.”

The Badgers are led by Eric Bradey, a two-sport athlete who was named Brock’s 2016-17 Male Athlete of the Year. Throughout his career, Bradey has been one of the top sweepers in the OUA West Division. He will be looked upon to provide leadership both on and off the field. Other key returnees include midfielders Michael Pavela and Liam Wilson, Brock’s 2016 Rookie of the Year.

With a roster size of 25, the Brock men have 11 returning players, seven new players and seven freshmen who are expected to provide the 2017 team with new energy.