WSOC Opens 2025 Campaign Thursday at NIU

The Marquette University women's soccer team (0-0-0, 0-0-0 BIG EAST) opens the 2025 campaign with a pair of matches this week under second-year head coach Chris Allen.

The Golden Eagles travel to Northern Illinois at 7 p.m. CT on Thursday, Aug. 14 before hosting North Dakota State on Sunday, Aug. 17 at 1 p.m. CT.

MU Mixing Youth With Experience

Marquette returns 13 letterwinners and seven starters from last season's roster, but there are plenty of minutes available following the departure of the 2024 senior class.

Six of the 10 players to score at least one goal last season return in 2025, led by Josie Bieda and Emily Fix, who each found the back of the net on a trio of occasions. Netminder Elise Krone, who started 10 of her 11 appearances, is also back and finished with a team-high 55 saves.

The coaching staff added 12 newcomers, six freshmen and six transfers, to the roster for the campaign and the group is expected to compete for playing time early and often in 2025.

Five of the transfers and freshman Clare Shea all joined the program at the conclusion of the Fall 2024 semester.

Valparaiso transfer Hailey Wade started eight of her 11 appearances for the Crusaders as a freshman last season and finished the campaign with 55 saves.

Transfers Add Scoring Potential

Of Marquette's six transfers, three own at least one goal at the collegiate level.

Sophomore Megan Murray (4G, 5A) was named to the Summit League All-Newcomer Team in 2024 at Denver, finishing third on the team in points.

Forward Jocelyn Leigh scored twice for Loyola last year and Ida Marhaug was named first team all-conference at the University of Charleston.

Trio Ready To Return To Action

Marquette had a trio of season-ending injuries prior to the start of the 2024 campaign, which has Cate Downs (hip), Molly Keiper (leg) and Abby Ruhland (knee) eager to return to action in 2025.
Christianson Happy To Assist

Junior forward Haley Christianson led the team in assists (5) in 2024 and finished second on the squad in points (7), netting her first-career goal in the season finale against Seton Hall.

The Kenosha, Wisconsin, native finished eighth in the BIG EAST in assists and ninth in assists per match.

MU Facing Familiar Opponents

The Golden Eagles have faced both of the week's opening opponents, most recently earning a 1-0 decision over NDSU at Valley Fields on Sept. 17, 2021 in double overtime.

Marquette is 5-3-0 all-time against the Huskies and have claimed four straight in the series until a 2-1 setback at home on Sept. 20, 2019 in double overtime.