CALGARY – With 12 players in their third year or higher, the time is now for the University of Calgary Dinos women's soccer squad.

After a season in which the Dinos narrowly missed out on a Canada West playoff berth, Calgary is hungry to break out of the middle of the pack and enter the top-tier of women's soccer teams in Canada West. This year's veteran-laden team could very well be the one to do it.

Forwards Morena Ianniello and Tessa Miller lead the offensive charge for the Dinos after combining for 19 points and just under half of the team's total shots on goal in 2009. Both will be counted on to find similar success in 2010 and should be aided by an improved line-up behind them.

Team leader and fifth year midfielder Lindsay Burrowes is the steady playmaker in the middle for the Dinos and will be reunited with Brittany Benson, who returns for her fifth year in the midfield after taking a sabbatical from the team in 2009.

Fullback Caitlin Milne, a second team conference all-star in 2008, will help shore up a defensive effort that gave up 30 goals over 14 games last season. Milne also returns after being away in 2009, and enters her fourth year as a Dino.

Head coach Robin Slot didn't hesitate to add to his solid nucleus of veterans as well, bringing in a fourth year Brock University transfer, midfielder Deanna Fidler, as well as some young local talent such as defenders Daniella Guidi and Jaclyn Hunter for 2010.

Benson is very optimistic about her team's chances this season.

“I think what sets us apart is our chemistry,” said Benson. “Many of us have played a number of years together both with the Dinos and on club teams, and we're unified, committed and motivated to do very well this season.

“We have a very solid starting 11, excellent depth and have devoted our preseason to fitness training,” she continued. “If we can get through a tough first weekend and reduce our goals against this season, we are definitely capable of succeeding both in Canada West and on the national stage.”

The Dinos will face a stiff test right away in 2010, with the No. 3 UBC Thunderbirds and the defending CIS national champion and No. 1 Trinity Western Spartans visiting the West Varsity Pitch to open the season on Sept. 11 and 12, respectively.

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