CALGARY – With a host of non-conference games already under their belt, the University of Calgary Dinos women's soccer team officially starts their 2023 season this weekend with a pair of home games at Dinosaur Field, starting Saturday.

The conference season opens Saturday at noon when Manitoba comes to campus. The Dinos are right back in action 24 hours later as part of a doubleheader with the men's team. The women will take on Winnipeg again at noon at Dinosaur Field with a men's game immediately to follow.

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW

LOOKING BACK AT LAST YEAR – Despite entering last season with a new head coach and graduating more than half of their starting lineup, the Dinos continued to find nothing but success on the field. The 2022 squad finished with a 9-3-2 record – the 11th time in the last 12 seasons they have finished above .500 on the year. Calgary's young team carried that success into the postseason, claiming the Canada West bronze medal and advancing to nationals for the fourth time in the last seven seasons.

A PEAK AT THE POLLS – Canada West released the 2023 coaches poll Thursday and to no surprise, the Dinos are once again picked to finish at the top of the conference. Calgary received one first-place vote and has been voted fourth in the 16-team league. 

FOR STARTERS – Calgary has done very well over the years in season openers. The Dinos have won their last three to start the year and are 25-12-1 in program history in lid lifters dating back to 1984. That includes a 14-6 ledger in season openers at home. There have been some truly dominant performances right out of the gates. Last season, the Dinos kicked things off with a 5-0 road victory and have now outscored their opponents 89-47 in season debuts. 

FAMILIAR FACES – One season after replacing nearly the entire starting 11 from the year before, the 2023 squad is nearly the complete opposite, with loads of returning talent on this year's roster. In fact, nine of the 11 starters from last season return for the Dinos. While a number of players are still entering just their second season on the field, Calgary will have plenty of experienced players from last year's nationals-qualifying roster.

COACH RAPOSO – Diogo Raposo enters his second season as head coach of the Dinos. He set a high bar in year one, helping lead Calgary to a Canada West bronze medal last season and a trip to nationals. 
 
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