By the beginning of August of 2014, it was clear that the Sudbury (GSSC) Impact U21 Ladies were in need of a new challenge.
A relatively young roster cruised to first place in their division with a record of 10-0-2, earning a promotion to the OWSL (Ontario Women's Soccer League) Regional Premier U21 Central grouping this summer.
The locals are now in one of two six-team divisions, joined by FC Durham Academy Blue, Greater Scarborough (GS) United, Newmarket United, West Rouge Storm and FC Durham Academy White.
"It should be even better than last year, because we've been working together for a year now," said veteran striker Dana Isaia. "We definitely have a lot of the same players. The style of play is a lot faster, harder, but cleaner.”
Where some local teams, in recent years, have struggled at times to field even a full 11-player side, the U21 Impact appear likely to carry almost a 20-player roster.
"Usually, by the end of the season, that's when the numbers start going down, because of injuries," said Isaia. "Everybody needs a little bit of rest now and then, so it's definitely nice to have bigger numbers. You have to work for your spot on the field."
A concrete example of the risk of injury, 19-year-old Alex Smuland was prepared to join this crew last May, before a knee injury while playing for the Confederation Chargers took her out of commission well into the winter.
The first-year forensic science student at Laurentian University was adamant, however, that a return to the pitch lie in her future.
"Soccer has always been a passion of mine," said Smuland. "It was always part of the motivation, that I wanted to be ready and playing this summer."
That said, there is, as expected, some initial misgivings.
"A lot of it is mental, worrying about whether I am going to hurt myself again," said Smuland. "But you just have to try and do mind over matter. I've worked a lot of exercises to help my balance."
A member of the 1996 girls crew that more or less disbanded by Grade 9, Smuland suited up with teams coached by Jeff Falcioni for a couple of seasons, before he suggested she might benefit in joining the U21 ladies last year.
"I love this team," said Smuland. "I love how organized the practices are, I love how everyone is so friendly and so welcoming. It's a great atmosphere to be around."
A defender most of her life, Smuland is open to the wishes of head coach Dayna Corelli, just happy to be back on the field. "I just want to play," said Smuland. "Wherever she (Corelli) thinks I would be best at, I trust her."
The 2015 edition of the U21 Impact ladies team includes: Megan Coutu, Jennie Philipow, Aymie Holata, Alicia Beaudry, Kaitlin Houben, Kianna Houben, Dana Isaia, Brenna MacMillan, Brianne Rodrigue, Jenelle St.Jean, Alex Ross, Carlee Parisotto, Megan Gallo, Sara Falvo, Marisso Falvo, Courtney Ceccarelli, Alex Smuland, Davianna Graham, Emily Hreljac and Taylor Portelance.
