It’s the dawn of a new season for the Quinnipiac University women’s soccer team (0-0), who will kick off their season against the Bryant Bulldogs (1-0, 0-0 NEC) on Sunday in Hamden. The Bulldogs are coming off a close 2-1 win over MAAC opponent Iona, while the Bobcats are looking to start their season off with a victory in their first non-conference game.

The last time these two opponents met, it was also in non-conference play last season. Quinnipiac toppled Bryant in a 3-0 win in Smithfield, Rhode Island, thanks to goals from Al Pelletier, Lauren Triglione, and Gretchen Kron.

Players to watch

Quinnipiac – Kelsey Goldring

Goldring is entering her redshirt junior year with the Bobcats. Last year, she led the team with six goals while setting up two more. Goldring played on the right side for head coach Dave Clark, and started 14 of the 15 games she played in. After spending the year on the opposite flank of Al Pelletier, Goldring will now look to lead the young core of wingers with a quick first step and an eye for the goal.

Bryant – Meghan Dalton

Dalton, the Bulldogs’ goalkeeper, is entering her junior year and her second as the full-time starter. Dalton posted a career-high five shutouts last year, good for third in the NEC. Dalton made nine saves in her last game against Iona, and she was a key factor in the victory for the Bulldogs.

Keys to the Game

Quinnipiac – Replacing key starters

The Bobcats had a successful year last year, finishing sixth and reaching the playoffs for the third time in a row. However, that run of successful seasons was led by a heavy senior class, including key starters like Pelletier on the wing, Katrina Friedman on defense, and Jess Gargan and Madison Borowiec in the midfield. These graduated seniors were the leaders and heartbeat of the squad. Replacing them is no small feat, and non-conference play is a great first test to see who fits in where in Dave Clark’s system.

Bryant – Create opportunities

Bryant was one of the stingiest and most disciplined teams in the NEC last year. The Bulldogs allowed the second-fewest goals and committed the least amount of fouls per game last season. But one area they need to improve is goal scoring – the team only won by two or more goals twice. They grab points by their defensive play, but these non-conference games can also be a good time to try out a new formation or try to play differently.

The Game

The Bobcats and the Bulldogs go head to head in Hamden on Sunday. Kickoff is at 4 p.m. at the Quinnipiac Soccer Stadium, and can be streamed lived at QuinnipiacBobcats.com. Join Ryan Flaherty and Connor Ullathorne on the call, with more updates on twitter at @QBSN, @connorully5, and @RyanFlaherty18.