A Renewed Rivalry
The upcoming match on Thursday, August 13 at 7:00 p.m. will take place at the SU Soccer Stadium in Syracuse, New York, marking another chapter in a series that has seen Villanova hold a slight edge overall. The Orange hope to capitalize on a 2-1-1 home advantage and replicate the strong start they achieved in 2025.
Historically, the two programs have met 10 times, with Villanova leading 6-2-1. The first encounter dates back to October 11, 1996, when the Wildcats secured a 2-0 victory. Syracuse's most recent win came on September 25, 2011, by a 1-0 margin, and the team finished the 2023–2024 season with a 5-9-4 record, aiming to build on a 4-1-3 opening stretch in 2025.
Syracuse will field a revamped offensive lineup, missing the top three goal scorers from the previous season. Junior transfer Farrah Stephens-Martin and freshman Lauren Christy are expected to shoulder much of the attacking burden, while defensive stalwarts Jasmine Nixon and sophomore Bree Bridges return to anchor the backline.
In goal, Syracuse will be without veteran Shea Vanderbosch, creating an opening for new faces. Meanwhile, Villanova's graduate starter Hannah Dickinson returns between the posts, having posted a 0.96 goals-against-average and an .802 save percentage in 2025.
Villanova's Recent Form
Coached by Samar Azem in her fifth season, Villanova finished the 2024–2025 campaign with a 9-8-1 record. Key contributors include sophomore forward Avrie Nelsen, who netted a team-best five goals, and junior forward Morgan Kotch, who added three goals and three assists. The Wildcats' attack will be led by these experienced scorers as they look to extend their recent success.
Villanova's defensive lineup will also feature returning goalkeeper Hannah Dickinson, who brings consistency and experience. The team's recent form under Azem suggests a competitive edge, but Syracuse's fresh talent could level the playing field.
Exhibition Momentum
Syracuse entered the season with two convincing exhibition victories, defeating Mercyhurst 5-0 and Le Moyne 4-0. These performances highlighted the effectiveness of the new offensive partnerships and underscored the team's defensive cohesion, especially with Maya Naimoli, a transfer from Youngstown State, posting clean sheets in both games.
The optimism surrounding the Orange is tempered by the absence of Vanderbosch, but the emergence of promising players and the continuity of key defensive figures provide a solid foundation for the upcoming contest.