The Belmont Bruins will kick off their 2024 women's soccer season on August 16 at 6:00 p.m. CT, traveling to Birmingham, Alabama, to meet Samford University at Yelton Field. The contest will be streamed live on ESPN+, which will also provide real‑time statistics to viewers, adding a modern layer of engagement for fans tuning in from across the country.
Key Players to Watch
Belmont's attacking thrust will be anchored by a quartet of experienced forwards: Kaitlyn Elliott, Ava Labocki, Reagan Ross, and Laken Whittington. Each brings a blend of speed, technical skill, and tactical awareness that head coach has highlighted as crucial to breaking down Samford's organized defense.
The Bruins' defensive unit impressed in their season‑opening draw against Tennessee Tech, limiting the Golden Eagles to a single shot on goal. That performance set a tone of resilience and discipline that the coaching staff hopes to carry forward against a Samford side that has already tasted championship success.
Samford's 2025 Campaign
Samford entered the 2025 season as a dominant force in the Southern Conference, finishing with a record of 13 wins, three losses, and five ties. The team captured both the regular‑season and tournament titles, underscoring its consistency and depth. Their campaign began with a 0‑0 stalemate against No. 2 Notre Dame, a result that hinted at the competitive edge they would later showcase.
Historically, the two programs have met several times, with the most recent regular‑season encounter ending in a 0‑0 draw on September 11, 2025. The last time Belmont visited Samford’s home turf was September 5, 2014, when they fell 2‑0. Those past results add a narrative layer to Thursday’s matchup, suggesting a potential reversal of fortunes for the Bruins.
With the broadcast spotlight on ESPN+, the upcoming clash promises to be more than just a season opener; it is a test of Belmont’s defensive solidity against a Samford squad that has already proven its championship pedigree. Fans can expect a tightly contested game where individual brilliance from Elliott, Labocki, Ross, and Whittington could prove decisive.