CLINTON, Iowa - For the upstart Ashford University women's soccer program, all the pieces of the puzzle seem to be in place to put together a season to remember.

And after an eye-opening preseason that included a 2-1 win against NCAA Div. I University of Northern Iowa and a 3-3 draw against defending Costa Rican national champion Arenal, the Saints might be well on their way.

It is important to remember that every team starts out with a clean slate, with a 0-0 record, and that's why in his seventh season at the helm AU Head Coach Mick Regan is moving on with cautious optimism regarding his squad's early momentum.

"There is a buzz and an air of excitement surrounding this program that we haven't seen before," Regan said. "We want to win conference and go to nationals this year. Period."

"We have preached all along that it is going to be a hard road ahead," he added. "But as of now, we still have zero wins. We are well aware the season starts Friday afternoon against Northwestern (College)."

Versatility and depth at every position, seasoned veterans, a bevy of talented newcomers and an experienced coaching staff, are just a few of the reasons why Ashford can make some noise positioned at the pinnacle of the Midwest Collegiate Conference.

The Saints are coming in hungry to build on the many successes of 2009, culminating with what they hope to be a ticket punched to Decatur, Ala., in late-November/early-December for the NAIA National Championships.

Regan has appointed sophomore center-midfielder Chelsea Fisher of Calgary, Alberta, senior Katie Schulte of Davenport, and another senior, Cassandra Broderick of Bettendorf, as team captains for this year.

"Each one of our captains presents a different personality and our players feel comfortable going to them," Regan said. "These three girls all know what it takes to win and they're not scared to step up when called upon."

Regan returns his five top point scorers to the potent offensive arsenal, including the First Team All-MCC selections Fisher (9 G, 7 A) and Broderick (9 G, 6 A). Midfielders in Brazilian sophomore Amanda Campos (10 G) and junior Cate Sarrazin (4 game-winning goals) are back and looking to do more damage to the opposition from the wing.

Junior Honorable Mention All-MCC pick in forward Abbye Garcia (8 G, 8 A) of Stillman Valley, Ill., also returns. She was the MCC Newcomer of the Year as a freshman.

The backbone of the Saints' defense begins in net and returning senior goalkeeper All-American Kylie Willet (6 SHO, 1.22 GAA). Sophomore netminder Jerika Castillo (1 SHO, 0.97 GAA) made four critical saves against Northern Iowa and is vying for additional playing time.

"To have a set of goalkeepers like we do is massive in the women's game," Regan said. "It's a very, very tough position to play and team in the MCC would take any of them as a starter in a heartbeat."

Last year's 12-win campaign was just a glimpse of this team scratching the surface of what it can accomplish.

A host of freshmen and newcomers are expected to make an impact. Hollie Babut of Oshawa, Ontario, scored both goals against Northern Iowa and has been opening eyes in practice with precision and composure from the outside-mid position. Junior Marianne Broevik of Drammen, Norway, brings unparalleled experience from the NCAA Div. II level as a transfer from Lenoir-Rhyne University.

Two more freshman outside wingers, Trisha Shoemaker of Bettendorf and Alyssa Giancana of Eagan, Minn., have speed to burn and the creativity to complement it. Shoemaker's high school teammate at Pleasant Valley, Brittany Paustian, is expected to aid the defense in the back row. Freshman Shay Hewa of Escondido, Calif., has caught Regan's eye as of late in the middle as an enforcer.

"All of our freshmen and newcomers have played at a high level in school and they know how to handle the competitive nature of the game," Regan said. "Playing under this kind of pressure at the collegiate level won't be as much of a transition for them."

AU faces an early challenge on Aug. 31 at when Trinity Christian College comes to town for a 5 p.m. showdown, representing the Saints' first home game on a new artificial turf field at the Ashford South Campus.

You can bet the Trolls will have revenge on the mind after getting toppled on their home turf last year in Palos Heights, Ill., when they were ranked eighth in the nation.

"We're ready to hit the ground running," Regan said. "We tell the girls to relax and work hard. The prospect of accomplishing our goals this season is a very exciting thought."

Ashford opens the regular season on Friday afternoon at the NWC/Dordt Pizza Ranch Classic.