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Oakland Soul Kicks off 2024 Campaign

The Oakland Soul women’s soccer team kicked off its 2024 USL W League season on the road, with a match against the Stockton Cargo at the University of the Pacific, Stockton, on Sunday May 5. The game ended in a 0-0 draw, but after its 10-2 inaugural season in 2023, the Soul team looks to continue its winning ways, to be a solid community-oriented organization, and to be a pathway for women in the sport to further their careers.

Alameda Post - 2024 Oakland Soul SC
Your 2024 Oakland Soul. Photos @oaklandsoul/Instagram.

The USL W is a pre-professional league open to elite youth players, collegiate players, aspiring professionals, and former professionals.

In reference to how the team practices, plays, and trains, Soul head coach Jessica Clinton said,  “We do everything that’s pro.” Being professional is an integral part of establishing a winning culture and the Soul’s “winning it all” goal. Part of that professionalism is the team’s “periodization plan and game model.” Some of the periodization plan involves tactic-based preparation, conditioning, and eight to nine more practices this season. Clinton assured that model will help with the team’s overall preparation, as will the Soul’s new roster additions.



“We have a nice group of players who are really experienced coming in,” she said.

A couple of the new faces for the Oakland Soul include Arianna Veland, who played professionally in Europe, and Kyah Cody, who played professionally in the Netherlands. Their pro backgrounds will help on and off the pitch.

Another component for a successful 2024 season is the leadership of returning players, including captain Samantha Tran. As one of the Soul’s leaders, Tran hopes to “pinpoint the things that are going well and have side-talks for things that aren’t,” she said.

Alameda Post - Oakland Soul goalkeeper Layla Armas
Oakland Soul goalkeeper Layla Armas. Courtesy photo.

Next, starting goalkeeper Layla Armas is back in the box for what may be her last stint with the Soul before attending UCLA. “I want to play the best I can. We have a great culture here…and I’m excited to learn more and be the best,” Armas said.

Joining Armas on the defensive front again is Sydney Shepard, who spoke about the team’s mentality this season. “This year it’s let’s get down to business,” Shepard said. “We know we’re a strong group so let’s prove it.” Shepard has also taken up coaching in the Bay Area as a way to give back to the community.

When asked about community-oriented events, specifically around Oakland and Alameda, Coach Clinton said, “I don’t think I can actually say anything about events right now, but there are certainly some plans.…I feel really invested in learning more about the community.”

Alameda Post - Oakland Soul Coach Jessica Clinton with defense player Sydney Shepard.
Oakland Soul Coach Jessica Clinton with defense player Sydney Shepard. Courtesy photo.

Along with being a team that’s true to the soul of its community, the Oakland Soul and the USL W League also are a pathway for women’s success. “It’s special,” Clinton said. “We realize that this is different from any other W League system. We have a pathway for youth players to play with former pros that rarely exists here across the U.S.”

The Oakland Soul and the USL W League, specifically allow youth players to see what the professional path looks like, experience the training, and “be around really great women,” the coach noted.

Oakland Soul SC will continue its 2024 season on Sunday, May 12, hosting the Olympic Club for its home opener at Merritt College at 3 p.m. See the Soul’s full 2024 Season Schedule; tickets can be purchased online.

Contributing writer Gabriel Caraballo covers local sports for the Alameda Post. Contact him via [email protected]. His writing is collected https://alamedapost.com/Gabriel-Caraballo.

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