Wildcat Soccer’s Moros Gears Up for the Season Amid Exciting New Roster Changes

Arizona soccer has welcomed two new players this week, announcing the transfers of Lily Boydstun from the University of Arkansas and Aurora Gaines from Louisiana State University. Both athletes have already begun training with the Wildcats and demonstrated commendable skills during a recent spring season matchup against Northern Arizona.

The latest signings come amid significant changes imposed by new NCAA roster rules following a settlement related to lawsuits involving Division 1 athletes. The Wildcats will now have the capacity to offer 28 scholarships—a substantial increase from the current allowance—while simultaneously facing a restriction on the overall roster size.

Previously, teams had no strict roster limits, allowing for a theoretical maximum of 40 players. Arizona’s 2024 squad once included 34 athletes, but adjustments will be necessary to comply with the new regulations, which aim to better manage scholarships and roster flexibility.

Coach Becca Moros expressed confidence in managing the transition, particularly with the retirement of several fifth-year seniors who utilized the added eligibility during the COVID-19 pandemic. “I think it’s a good number,” she noted. “This adjustment shifts the focus onto roster depth and player management, especially given the intense workload in college soccer.”

In related news, former Arizona soccer player Nyota Katembo is set to embark on her professional career with AFC Toronto in the newly inaugurated Northern Super League, Canada’s first division for women’s soccer. Katembo, who hails from Québec, started 13 games for the Wildcats in 2024 and will join forces with Canadian national team athletes Victoria Pickett and Emma Regan. The team will kick off their season on April 19 against Roses de Montréal.

Additionally, Donny Toia, a Pima College alumnus and former professional player, is making his return to soccer with the Des Moines Menace. He joins a roster featuring other ex-professional stars, including former New York Red Bulls striker Bradley Wright-Phillips, MLS veteran Dax McCarty, and LA Galaxy standout AJ De La Garza. The Menace will begin their U.S. Open Cup campaign against Sporting Kansas City 2 on March 19.