KIRKLAND, WASH. - As the days get shorter and the temperature drops, the Northwest University men's and women's soccer teams are ready to turn up the heat on the pitch!
The men's team had a competitive season last year, finishing with a three-game win streak, but it just was not enough to make the dance. The Eagles' goalkeeping, led by Michael Kot, stood tall last year, as they managed 87 total saves on the year—third in the conference. However, with Kot graduating last year, it's up to Justin Anderson and freshmen Bailey Hopkins, Michael Dickerman, Malachi Lilly, and Charlie Prtenjaca to take the helm and defend the nets.
A couple of key returners from last year's squad include Matthew Ludlow and Wayden Beatty. Other key returners include Joao Lucas Fonseca, Trevor VanAssche, and Ryan Anderson, who are all set to graduate at the end of the '25-26 school year. Newcomers Nathan Alvarado and Ngazikue "Gazi" Kandetu are also set to graduate as seniors.
"We are looking forward to the season and playing games," said men's Head Coach Gary McIntosh. "There are 21 new players, which has helped with a new attitude at training. Getting back to the playoffs would be a great achievement this year."
The men's soccer team will be making their season debut on the road on August 28 against Arizona Christian for a tournament in Phoenix, and the first home game won't be until September 26, when the Eagles will take on Rocky Mountain College.
Meanwhile, on the women's side, the lady Eagles were able to squeak into the playoffs last year by edging out Southern Oregon in conference points percentage. The Eagles met Oregon Tech in the first round of the playoffs but ultimately fell short, 2-1. Senior Rachel Russell led the team last year in goals with four. This season's newcomers Megan Hurley and Sara Becerra look to take up the scoring mantle for the Eagles.
Katie Snow, Alivia Berry, and Talia Hurst round up some of the key returners for this year's squad. Laura Rice and Kennedy Leach will lace up for the final season, as they will be set to graduate this school year. Returning from the 2023 squad is Gracie VanAssche, who will be finishing up her soccer career as a grad student.
"I am very excited for this upcoming season," said women's Head Coach April VanAssche. "This team is already coming together very strong on and off the field. I am looking forward to seeing us continue to grow in our play and get stronger each day as we work towards our goal of getting back to Nationals this season. This team has shown how hard they compete every day, as they work to create our strong family bonds off the field. They love growing as a team and pouring themselves into playing for God every opportunity they get."
The women's squad will travel to Tacoma to take on the University of Puget Sound on August 21 for their season debut. Their first home game won't be long after that, as they take on Central Washington on August 28.
