Davis, Calif. — The UC Davis women's soccer team opens the 2023 regular season on Thursday and brings one of the deepest teams during the Tracy Hamm era into the campaign.
The Aggies, who were selected to finish fifth in the Big West preseason coaches poll, have 25 returners from last season, heading into the year, with five of those Aggies being former All-Big West Conference Award winners.
UC Davis will look to improve on their historic 2022 season where the Aggies finished the year 9-6-4 overall and 6-2-2 in Big West play, finishing second in the conference standings and marking the highest finish for UC Davis women's soccer during the Division I era.
With two exhibitions games under their belts, UC Davis is ready to host Idaho State in its season opener on Thursday at 5 p.m. That game can be viewed on ESPN+ with Will Wyman set to call the action.
THIS WEEK
After hosting Idaho State for the season opener, Tracy Hamm's squad will be the first Aggies of the new school year to take the Causeway trip, as they square off against the Sacramento State Hornets on Sunday, August 20 at 1 p.m. at Hornet Field.
HOW TO FOLLOW
Both games will be broadcast live on ESPN+. Links for the broadcast and live stats can be found on the schedule page at ucdavisaggies.com. In-game updates will also be provided through X by following @ucdaviswsoc.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Stay in the loop with everything related to UC Davis women's soccer by following the Aggies on all of their social media platforms!
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PRESEASON HONORS
A pair of standout Aggies were named to the 2023 Big West Women's Soccer Preseason Coaches' Team, the conference announced as Leslie Fregoso and Risa Yamada were appointed to the 12-member team.
Two-time First Team All-Big West selection Leslie Fregoso finds herself on the Preseason Coaches' team for the third time in her career. In 2022, Fregoso added more accolades to her historic resume, becoming just the fourth Aggie in the Division I era to be selected to the NSCAA All-Region Second Team. Leading the Aggies in points (14) last season with a team-high six goals, Fregoso also added two assists which were tied for third among all Aggies. Looking to shatter even more records in 2023, Fregoso is one of the most decorated Aggies of the Division I era, currently ranking second in most points (45), second in career goals (17), fifth in game-winning goals (6), third in career assists (9), second in career shots (145), along with the third fastest goal scored in UC Davis history (0:40 vs Sacramento State). Fregoso should yet again serve as the focal point for the Aggies in 2023.
Joining Fregoso is redshirt-junior, Risa Yamada. After missing the majority of the 2022 season due to injury, Yamada is primed for a return to form in 2023. A breakout debut season with the Aggies in 2021, Yamada was named to the All-Big West Conference First Team after making 13 starts and scoring six goals with four assists. She went on a five-game stretch from Sept. 5 to Sept. 26 recording at least a point in games against Idaho State, Sacramento State, Saint Mary's, CSU Bakersfield, and CSUN. She was twice responsible for the scoring in Aggie wins, netting both goals of a 2-0 win over Cal Poly on Oct. 13 and had a goal and an assist in a 2-1 win over UC Irvine on Oct. 17.
HEROIC HOLLEY
Another former All-Big West First Team selection is back this year in the form of Jayde Holley. Earning All-Big West Second Team selection and Big West All-Freshman Team in her first year with the Aggies two seasons ago, Holley followed up an impressive debut season with an All-Big West First Team selection as well as being just the third Aggie in the Division I era to be named to the All-West Region Third Team. Hamm adds, "Jayde is stalwart in our backline and will continue to add depth to our defensive unit. She is an important part of our attack as well."
HIGH SCHOOL TEAMMATES
Lindsey Porter and Molly Brannigan, the former high school teammates, are entering their last year with the Aggies and Coach Hamm is excited about the experience each provides. Both Porter and Branigan are transfers, and both are captains for the Aggies in 2023. The pair will add plenty of depth to the UC Davis backline and midfield. More information about how these two's careers have come full circle can be explored here.
IMMEDIATE IMPACT
With a new season, there are always going to be new players who can come in right away and make an immediate impact. This season, Hamm expects freshman Elise Picard and transfer Sam Tristan to be key players for the Aggies.
The former Archbishop Mitty Monarch, Picard enters UC Davis with a decorated high school resume, most recently being named to the WCAL First Team, as well as the United Soccer Coaches High School All-Region Team. Picard will see action this year in the Aggie backline.
Tristan, a striker and transfer from Fresno State has a proven track record from her time as a Bulldog. A former All-Mountain West Second Team selection and All-Newcomer Team member, Tristan will provide UC Davis with experience and the ability to contribute right away to a team with title aspirations.
FINDER'S KEEPERS
After registering five shutouts in 2022, Caeley Goldstein is ready to take another leap forward in her second season with the Aggies. Hamm expects Goldstein to lead the backline again this year and adds, "She has lots to prove and has a year of experience under her belt now. Voted as a team captain, she will anchor the back line. She's a great leader, and provides a good presence."
BREAKOUT SEASONS
After picking up an All-Big West First Team selection this past year, "breakout" is a word that you probably wouldn't attribute to a player. In Emma Vane's case, Coach Hamm is expecting Vane to continue getting better and have an even bigger year in 2023. "I'm expecting a big season from Emma. She is a very talented box-to-box midfielder with a high motor. I'm looking forward to seeing her rise to the occasion this year and lead the team on the field by example."
Another breakout candidate for the Aggies is Sarah Canavan. Tabbed to the Big West All-Freshman Team in 2022, Canavan is another key member for UC Davis who should help the Aggies contend for a title. Hamm notes, "I'm hoping this is Sarah's breakout season. She is healthy and ready to show how talented she is. I've set a high standard for her this year and I know she can get there."
KEY GAMES
Outside of the Big West conference schedule where every match matters, UC Davis has some exciting matchups in 2023 to look forward to. The season opener against Idaho State and Causeway matchup at Sacramento State are a pair of games that jumpstart what should be one of the most competitive schedules for UC Davis women's soccer in recent memory. Coach Hamm is also looking forward to the Nebraska game, along with the WCC matchups. "It'll show who the top teams in the west are and will be quality matchups for us going into conference."
