The MSJC women's soccer team is coming off a season in which they qualified for the 3C2A State play-offs for the first time since 2016, and the expectation this year is to build on that momentum.
The Eagles return three First Team All Inland Empire Athletic Conference performers from a season ago and have added depth with a strong recruiting class for 2023. MSJC returns their top two point scorers from last season as both Karyme Mendoza and Aaliyah Sims are back for their sophomore seasons. Mendoza scored 7 goals and had 8 assists in 2022 while Sims scored 6 goals and had 7 assists during the year. Those two all league performers will also be joined by First Team All IEAC midfielder Alexis Salgado. "It's nice to have these type of players returning as well as the other sophomores in this group", said MSJC head coach Julio Reyes. "I think we will start this season as a more confident team."
Joining the returning group is a talented group of newcomers led by the trio of Belinda Jara, Addisyn Mangrum, and Samantha Uribe. Jara comes to MSJC after an outstanding career at San Jacinto High, "She is very fast and has a lot of quickness", said Reyes. "She played a very high level of club soccer as well so she will be a big part of our attacking half." Mangrum is a transfer from Humboldt State , after playing her high school soccer at Vista Murrieta. "She is a tall and strong middle defender who will help us a lot on the defensive half". Uribe will play in the midfield for the Eagles, coming to the squad from Murrieta Mesa High.
"We have high expectations for this season and we are planning on competing for the IEAC championship," added Reyes. Last season the Eagles finished third in the conference and had an overall record of 10-8-1.
The Eagles also will be playing their home matches at their brand new stadium on the Menifee Campus. MSJC opens the season tomorrow (8/25) when they host Imperial Valley in a match that will kick off at 6 pm. A complete 2023 schedule can be found in the link below.