ROCHESTER, Mich. – Coming off the heels of one of the program's best seasons in twenty or so years, the Oakland University Women's Soccer team and Head Coach
Juan Pablo Favero have announced the addition of seven freshmen to the early signing period.
The Golden Grizzlies will graduate nine squad members that produced a .605 win percentage through 19 games played including Sophie Wilsey as 2022 #HLWSOC Player of the Year while Karabo Dhlamini and Kendra Zak earned First Team All-League honors.
Sami Lopez, Alexa Sabbagh, and Noemi Stadelmann also garnered All-League Second Team attention. The team was highlighted by the 14th-best team goals-against average in NCAA Division I at .579 just behind nationally-ranked Michigan State and above power programs such as Alabama and North Carolina.
With this, Favero and company welcome seven newcomers (Olivia Darnell, Liza Kazandjian, Julia Zangerl, Lauren Perry, Tally Diamond, Morgan Kaiser, and Tianna McDonald) to the group that is set to kick off the 2023 season in August.
"The 2023 class is part of a vital recruiting cycle for the program, so we are excited to roll out part one of a great group of players and student-athletes we are adding to our roster for 2023. With this first group of this class, we are addressing some critical needs in our back line with excellent centerbacks, goalkeepers, and outside backs," said Favero, "Our back line was one of the priorities for this cycle, so we are excited to be able to announce such a high level of players to help lead our defensive efforts next year. We are also adding some versatility in the midfield and forward lines. Overall, we are grateful, excited, and optimistic about what this group of young women will add to the program next year."
OLIVIA DARNELL
The Novi native joins OU following a stint with the Michigan Jaguars where she has played for 7 years and reached a state championship with the club.
"Olivia is a versatile player who will help our team as a fullback or winger. Her pace and assertiveness on the field make her exactly the kind of player we look for on the width, and we are excited to welcome her to the team," said Favero.
LIZA KAZANDJIAN
Kazandjian is a CS MRO U21 champion with a first-place finish with the Lakeshore Soccer Club (U12-U16). The Canadian comes to Oakland out of Quebec REX in club play, bagging both MVP of the Week and MVP of the Month honors in 2022 in addition to the Gold Boot award in 2017.
"Lisa is a highly technical and creative midfield player who can play in any of the different midfield roles for us. In addition to her ability on the ball, her work rate and commitment to defend make her an ideal midfield player for our team, and we look forward to seeing her in black and gold," said Favero.
JULIA ZANGERL
Zangerl comes to Oakland as a decorated goalkeeper from the Cordial Cup, Tutsal Convent, and Coca-Cola Cup as the best goalkeeper in each of those events (some twice). Notably, Zangerl and company took home the victory in 2018 with the Tyrolian Championship while with SVG Reichenau.
"Julia is a top-class goalkeeper with youth national team experience. She commands her box and is also a good shot-stopper," said Favero, "Just as importantly, Julia is very good with the ball at her feet, which is very important within our style of play. We are excited to welcome another top-level European GK to our program. "
LAUREN PERRY
Perry is a decorated goalkeeper with the 2021 Genessee Cup Tournament championship, the 2021 Powerade Invitational Tournament championship, and the 2021 WAZA Spooktacular Tournament championship under her belt. While at the Gennessee Cup, Perry was named MVP following her efforts between the pipes, locking in a 0.48 goals-against average with seven shutouts and a 95% save percentage while in high school.
"Lauren is another top-level goalkeeper whom we have seen grow exponentially through the recruiting process. She is an excellent shot-stopper with a great presence in goal, and in addition to her ability as a goalkeeper, we have seen her leadership ability and team-first attitude first-hand. She will be a great addition to our team next year," said Favero.
TALLY DIAMOND
Diamond currently plays for Leeds United's club program a part of one of the most recognizable soccer programs in the world in conjunction with her captain duties for her school team, Huddersfield Town. Diamond also earned Player of the Year for her former club York City FC.
"Tally fills a very high need for our program as a center-back. In addition to her athleticism, Tally's technical ability, distribution, and air game make her an ideal player for our program," said Favero, "I also have been impressed with her tactical intelligence, as she is truly a student of the game. We look forward to seeing her playing for us next Fall."
MORGAN KAISER
With Homestead High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Kaiser saw four-straight sectional championships with the Spartans from 2019-2022, including a state championship in 2021 in Class 3A. Kaiser also comes to Oakland with two club championships to her resume with the Indiana Fire and Fort Wayne Phoenix in the Indiana State Cup U18 Championships and Youth Futsal Championships. The Hoosier was also named Academic All-State twice and All-District twice.
Favero said, "Morgan is a versatile player who can play two or three different roles for us. Her work rate, athleticism, and assertive mentality are all essential traits for our players, and she has demonstrated that. We project her playing as an outside back or in several of our midfield roles. We are excited to see her in our uniform next year."
TIANNA MCDONALD
With Archbishop O'Leary High School, McDonald was named MVP of the squad as a centerback following a 2019 Provincial Championship. McDonald, a native of Edmonton, Alberta, was a part of the Vancouver Whitecaps' Edmonton REX Program from 2021-2022 where she earned MVP honors of the FTX Saskatoon game back in May.
"Tianna is another athletic center-back who fills another critical need in this recruiting class. Besides her speed and toughness, she is excellent on the ball and has great distribution skills, making her an ideal central defender for our program. We can't wait to see her playing for us, " said Favero.
