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Soccer

Xavier Women's Soccer Returns to Action Against No. 17 Michigan State

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Xavier Musketeers are set to host the No. 17 Michigan State Spartans on Sunday, August 31, at Corcoran Field. The matchup marks the return to action for the Musketeers, who have been working tirelessly to prepare for the new season. This week's opponent, Michigan State, has started the season with a strong 3-0-2 record, and will bring their impressive defensive record to the matchup.

Key Takeaways:

  • Xavier women's soccer will host No. 17 Michigan State on Sunday, August 31, at Corcoran Field.
  • The Musketeers return to action after a brief hiatus, with the Spartans boasting a strong 3-0-2 record.
  • Natalie Bain, the reigning BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year, was selected as the 2025 Preseason Defensive Player of the Year by the league's coaches.
  • Xavier returns 14 letterwinners, including seven starters, from the 2024 15-win team.
  • The Musketeers accounted for over 60 percent of Xavier's 51 goals scored last season, the most goals scored by the program since 1984.
  • Samantha Erbach was named the 2024 BIG EAST Freshman of the Year and All-BIG EAST First Team selection, and was named to the USC Forwards to Watch list.
  • Emma Flick, a 2024 All-BIG EAST Second Team selection, started all 21 matches for the Musketeers, collecting a career-high 20 points on six goals and a team high-matching eight assists.
  • Xavier's 2024 season saw the Musketeers post a 15-4-2 overall record, the third most wins in program history, under the guidance of head coach Dean Ward.
  • The Musketeers finished the 2024 season with 51 goals, the second most in program history and the most by a Xavier team since the 1984 season.

Statistics:

  • Xavier will host four home women's soccer matches on either Xavier+ or ESPN+, with the subscription cost of Xavier+ at $10 per match or $49 for a fall season pass.
  • The Musketeers return 14 letterwinners, including seven starters, from the 2024 15-win team, accounting for over 60 percent of Xavier's 51 goals scored last season.
  • The 2024 Musketeers collected 51 goals, the second most in program history and the most by a Xavier team since the 1984 season.
  • Natalie Bain collected a team-high 83 minutes played in the Musketeers' 3-0 shutout win at Cincinnati on Sunday, leading the Musketeers' field players.

Sources:

  • Xavier University Athletics of Ohio, August 31, 2025
  • BIG EAST Conference, August 12, 2025
  • USC All-America Second Team, 2024
  • Top Drawer Soccer Preseason Players to Watch, 2025
  • Xavier University Athletics of Ohio, 2024

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