Two wins, two ties. As of Wednesday, Sept. 11, that’s where women’s soccer sits, four games into their 2024 campaign. Outscoring opponents 5-2 in that span, star senior Georgia Bonney is excited about where they stand:
“I have a great feeling about our group this year. We have a very attainable shot at placing first in the LEC (Little East Conference) … along with winning a championship,” says Bonney.
The Kingston, Massachusetts native is once again among the team’s minutes leaders, making a big impact on the early season. Bonney’s stability is still here for the Beacons, as they’ve accrued a competitive surrounding roster — or as Bonney calls it, “a highly talented team.”
Talented is a good word; so is youthful. There’s only three seniors and one graduate student on this team — all of which have been named captain. Their strong leadership corps supports this talented young group.
Bonney called their young talent “undeniable.” She recognized the variety of potential she sees, and highlighted freshman Katie Brown: “she has been versatile on the field, coming in as a center back but being moved to attacking mid and now occasionally going to center striker. She has been a lethal threat for us and will continue to be going into LEC competition.”
Brown has started all four games this year, logging 320 minutes so far. She’s already netted her first career collegiate goal, and has put all four of her shots on target.
Bonney also sang praise for the team’s goalkeeping duo, Julia Cote and Isabella O’Connell.
“It has been awesome to see them thrive and perform to their greatest potential through the years I have been here,” said Bonney.
Goalkeeping is integral in the tightly contested Little East Conference; seven out of nine LEC teams were above .500 on the young season, dating until Sept. 11. It’s especially valued seeing as UMass Boston has scored just the seventh most goals in the conference. There’s some explosive offenses in sight of the Beacons this year.
Through this point a year ago, the team was 1-2-1. Two years ago, 0-2-2. It’s their best start in three years, and the Beacons know the position they’re in.
It’s also Bonney’s last year, and she made it clear there’s a feeling of “added urgency” both on and off the pitch. “I feel responsible for making sure the team is locked into our team mentality, which is to compete. When I step on the field I want to have no regrets, as it is my last year … I am trying to give it my all each time I get on that field and make sure my teammates are right there with me.”
Anytime a team is positioned to make a run, it makes everything all the more exciting. Here, now, the Beacons believe they have a chance. And especially considering the quality of these Beacons, the roster makes not just this season, but the future, look that much more promising.
