The Purdue Fort Wayne women's soccer team will open its season with a non‑league contest against Central Michigan on Thursday, August 27, at 7 p.m. in Mount Pleasant, Michigan.
A New Era for the Mastodons
Head coach James DeCosemo, who recently took the reins of the program, will be making his debut in the dugout. DeCosemo brings a fresh philosophy and a track record of developing talent, and he will be watching closely as the Mastodons test themselves against a seasoned opponent.
Chippewas' Early Season Struggles
Central Michigan enters the match with a 1‑2 record after dropping games to Loyola Chicago and Coastal Carolina while defeating Charleston Southern. The Chippewas have shown resilience on defense, allowing only three goals on 25 shots and making 16 saves across their first three outings.
Goalkeeper Sam Christle has been a standout, posting a shutout in a recent 0‑0 draw with Southern Indiana and earning her first collegiate clean sheet with three saves. Her .889 save percentage and second‑best goals‑against average in the Horizon League underline her growing influence between the posts.
Key Players to Watch
Emersyn Geik, who logged the full 90 minutes in the Southern Indiana match, will be expected to add creativity in midfield, while Christle's presence in goal should give the Mastodons a solid foundation against a Chippewas attack that has struggled to convert chances.
Looking Ahead
After the Central Michigan showdown, the Mastodons travel to face Eastern Illinois on Sunday, August 23, at 4 p.m. ET. The upcoming road test will provide another measuring stick as the team continues to gel under DeCosemo's guidance.