The new Washington Demons football season kicks off tonight, and there's a lot of anticipation as the men's and women's teams begin back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in their programs' history.
The Washington boys have won three straight years since going 9-6 last spring. The 2023 Demons are a solid offensive team, averaging four goals per game, with most of their best offensive players returning.
Manny Raymundo returns for his senior season at Washington after leading the team with 19 goals and 11 assists. All-conference midfielder Brian Arreola also returns, along with versatile midfielders like fellow seniors Isaac Gentry and Lane Schrock, and speed like junior Kerber Lopez and sophomore Edwin Cortez. A striker also returned.
But what could make the Demons most dangerous is their strong backline. In addition to returning starting goaltender Will Gilchrist-Brock, Washington also has backing defenders in junior Brendan Taylor and seniors Angel Mata and Kevin Huertero. Demon head coach Sally Hart told KCII Sports her defense has continuity, experience and talent.
“Those guys have played together before.” [for] It’s so long,” Hart said. “They just really click. When you have a really strong backline, it gives the offense more freedom to be creative because they know they can trust the guys behind them. It’s great to have them back and really be the wall we need.”
The Washington women's team is coming off its best season in history with an 11-6 record. Leading scorers Audrey and Angie Anderson return with a combined 17 goals, as does all-conference midfielder Gisele Marcelino.
Returning players such as junior Ruby Witthoft and sophomores Joselyn Carter and Amelie Cuevas will have bigger roles this season. Starting goaltender Aleyha Medley returns for her second season, but there will be some newcomers ahead of her on defense. Demons head coach Mason Quigley said Medley has worked hard to make himself and his new linemates better.
“She showed up quite a few days during the offseason,” Quigley said. She may not be the tallest, but she's definitely a hard worker and wants to be part of a winning culture and she wants to show that on our playing field. is shown. ”
Washington State's women's and men's soccer teams begin their new seasons tonight in Columbus, with the women's teams taking the field first at 5 p.m.
