Broncos Announce 2023 Defenders
7/28/2023 3:06:00 PM | Women's Soccer
BOISE, Idaho – Boise State soccer announces its returning and incoming roster of defenders in the third of a four-part series highlighting the complete 2023 roster.
"This is the foundation of our team, something we've put a lot of pride in over the last 10 years," said head coach Jim Thomas. "We have a tremendous new group of attacking players that will offer a diverse, expansive style to the way that we play at the back, while still having experience in the likes of Jocelyn (Stephens) and Payton (McBride), that will look to continue that legacy of pride this season.
Key returners for the Blue and Orange include defenders Michaela Justiniani, Payton McBride, Jocelyn Stephens and Evva Vail.
Stephens highlights the group as a returning All-Mountain West First Team honoree and Defensive Player of the Week (Sept. 12). She led the defense to a 0.750 goals against average and a 0.500 shutout percentage, both first in conference as well as 36th and 38th in NCAA, respectively. The senior registered 1,748 minutes of playing time, the most among outfield players, and started all 20 matches. She led the defense to a program-record nine-match shutout streak and scored the game-winning goal at Fresno State (Oct. 13).
Vail played in 13 matches with two starts, scoring and assisting a goal in the 2022 season.
McBride appeared in all 20 matches with nine starts, while Justiniani played in 19 matches with five starts for the Broncos.
Joining the trio back are redshirt sophomore Alicia Chatterton and redshirt freshmen Ella Baker and Tess French.
Boise State adds two newcomers in freshmen Lexi Chatterton and Francesca McGuire to its list of defenders.
The Broncos will play an exhibition match against the College of Idaho in Boise on Aug. 11 at 7 p.m.
Season tickets for 2023 are available now for fans to purchase in person at the Boise State Athletics Ticket Office or by calling 208-426-4737; as well as online at BroncoSports.com/tickets. In addition to all 11 home matches, season ticket holders will receive a special Boise State soccer supporters' scarf and premium seat backs to enjoy at each match.
"This is the foundation of our team, something we've put a lot of pride in over the last 10 years," said head coach Jim Thomas. "We have a tremendous new group of attacking players that will offer a diverse, expansive style to the way that we play at the back, while still having experience in the likes of Jocelyn (Stephens) and Payton (McBride), that will look to continue that legacy of pride this season.
Key returners for the Blue and Orange include defenders Michaela Justiniani, Payton McBride, Jocelyn Stephens and Evva Vail.
Stephens highlights the group as a returning All-Mountain West First Team honoree and Defensive Player of the Week (Sept. 12). She led the defense to a 0.750 goals against average and a 0.500 shutout percentage, both first in conference as well as 36th and 38th in NCAA, respectively. The senior registered 1,748 minutes of playing time, the most among outfield players, and started all 20 matches. She led the defense to a program-record nine-match shutout streak and scored the game-winning goal at Fresno State (Oct. 13).
Vail played in 13 matches with two starts, scoring and assisting a goal in the 2022 season.
McBride appeared in all 20 matches with nine starts, while Justiniani played in 19 matches with five starts for the Broncos.
Joining the trio back are redshirt sophomore Alicia Chatterton and redshirt freshmen Ella Baker and Tess French.
Boise State adds two newcomers in freshmen Lexi Chatterton and Francesca McGuire to its list of defenders.
The Broncos will play an exhibition match against the College of Idaho in Boise on Aug. 11 at 7 p.m.
Season tickets for 2023 are available now for fans to purchase in person at the Boise State Athletics Ticket Office or by calling 208-426-4737; as well as online at BroncoSports.com/tickets. In addition to all 11 home matches, season ticket holders will receive a special Boise State soccer supporters' scarf and premium seat backs to enjoy at each match.
Players Mentioned
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