Season Opener Set for Thursday
The West Virginia University women's soccer squad, currently holding the No. 7 spot in the national rankings, will open its season on the road against Princeton University on Thursday, August 27, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. Eastern time. The contest will be broadcast live on ESPN+, marking the first streamed appearance for the Mountaineers this year.
Series History and Recent Results
This matchup represents the fifth meeting between the two programs, a series that favors WVU with a 3‑1 record. The last encounter dates back to 2017, when the Mountaineers secured a 1‑0 victory, and the teams have not faced each other since.
Princeton's Early Season Test
Princeton arrives with a 1‑1 record after a 3‑0 loss to Syracuse on August 23, setting the stage for a test of resilience. The Tigers will look to rebound quickly as they travel to Morgantown for the first time this season.
Mountaineers' Offensive Spark
WVU's attack has been firing on all cylinders early in the campaign. Sophia Nickel found the back of the net for the third consecutive game in the recent win over Duquesne, while Gianna Koss opened her season scoring tally, underscoring the duo's form.
Weekly Accolades and Coaching Legacy
The performances earned weekly recognition, with Nickel, Gianna Koss, and Olivia Shertzer all receiving Big 12 Conference Player of the Week honors, and Gianna Koss additionally selected to TopDrawerSoccer's National Team of the Week. Head coach Sean Driscoll, now in his 12th year at Princeton, has guided the Tigers to five Ivy League championships, a testament to his sustained impact on the program.
Travel Patterns and Venue
Historically, WVU has made two trips to Princeton, while the Tigers have visited Morgantown on three occasions, a pattern that adds a layer of familiarity to Thursday's showdown.