SETTING THE STAGE: MERRIMACK VALLEY HAWKS FC

Written By: Ryan Wood
Photography: Aline Flores

A DEBUT SEASON FOCUSED ON FINISHING ENTIRE SEASON STRONG
Merrimack Valley Hawks FC Establishing Soccer Culture Back in Greater Boston

When the Boston Breakers of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) folded following the 2017 season, it also meant that for the first time since 2005 that the Boston-metro area would not have a WPSL team. But after a seven-year absence, WPSL soccer is back in Boston.
 

Merrimack Valley Hawks FC made its debut May 25 against the Rhode Island Rogues, marking the inaugural game for the new franchise – a matchup Merrimack Valley knew would likely be a difficult first test.
 

“Firstly, because we're facing a really strong opponent,” Joel Deleon, Merrimack Valley Hawks FC managing partner, said. “Secondly, we haven't had much training together to build chemistry. Additionally, we'll be missing some key players. However, we have to learn from it, move forward, and strive to improve.”
 

That first opponent – Rhode Island – came into the meeting off a 5-1 season-opening win over the New York Shockers. Merrimack Valley, which plays its home games at Joanne Merrill Field on the campus of Rivier University – makes its home debut June 1 at 3 p.m. ET against the Shockers.
 

Merrimack Valley may have had a tall hill to climb in that inaugural match, which ended 4-1 in favor of the Rogues, but the club is also prioritizing its impact on the women’s game in its area.
 

“For this year, we want to create a really good environment and culture for women's soccer here,” Deleon said. “Players who have already graduated from college and want to play in a competitive league can come and join us. Players who are on vacation and want to get ready for the fall season can also join us. We want to provide strong support for women's soccer in the Merrimack area.”
 

Deleon said the goals set out for year one are simple, “finish the entire season strong.” Unsure of where the team will sit at the conclusion of regular season, Deleon acknowledges they’d “like to go as far as possible.” 

It’s next season that Deleon understands will be a good step forward for the team within the WPSL landscape.
 

“Next year, we'll understand how the league works, how to manage travel, and many of the players will get to know us. Then, next year, we can be five times stronger.”
 

Aside from the obvious challenge of being the new kids on the block in any given league, Merrimack Valley finds itself in a fiercely competitive Northeastern Conference, one that also boasts the likes of Clarkstown Soccer Club (first place in 2023), the Rogues (who reached the national semifinals) a well as the Shockers and Force FC New York.
 

“Our big challenge this year is getting to know the league and the team and having the players in our region get to know us and see how competitive the league is,” Deleon said. “Next year, they can join us because most players didn't realize how good the league is. Once they know, we'll have a lot of players eager to join next year.”
 

Merrimack Valley Hawks FC boasts a talented roster for its rookie campaign, one that includes University of Virginia forward Meredith McDermott, who is coming off a breakout season with the Cavaliers in which she scored eight goals and tallied three assists in 17 matches. Deleon called her, “a real goal-hunter.” 
 

The attack could also see some vital contributions from former Oklahoma State midfielder/forward Anna Hurley, whom Deleon said adds “tremendous value to this group.” Hurley scored the team’s first franchise goal against the Rogues.
 

Another forward with an eye for goal is University of Arizona’s Brooke Ahern. On the defensive side, the team features Emanuelly Ferreira (Stony Brook).
 

“She [Ferreira] plays outside back and constantly goes up and down the field, creating a lot of offensive and defensive plays,” Deleon said.
 

Martissa Sage, a midfielder from UMass Lowell who was named to the 2023 America East All-Rookie Team, is a versatile player that can play both midfield and defense.
 

“We really do have some amazing players in this group and all add to this family,” Deleon said.
 

The team hasn’t had too much time this preseason to prepare, but it is more than ready to get the ball rolling on its debut WPSL season.
 

“We don't have the whole team yet as some of the players come from different states and different colleges, but the practices have been really productive and good so far,” Deleon said. “The balance is good. I think it's a good blend. Once they develop chemistry, and I hope they do so quickly, we'll have a competitive team.”