Southern Oregon University’s women’s soccer program is entering the 2026 campaign with momentum built on a historic 2025 season that saw the Raiders capture a program‑best 14 victories and finish 10‑1‑1 in the Cascade Conference. The team finished the year outscoring opponents 59‑17 and earned an at‑large bid to the NAIA Tournament, where they fell in the semifinals to No. 7 Grace after a 14‑game unbeaten streak.
Historic foundation
Returning eight starters, six of whom earned All‑Cascade Conference honors, the roster blends proven scorers with fresh faces. Forward Abby McKean led the attack with 15 goals and three assists, while Brooklyn Hayes contributed 10 goals and four assists, and midfielder Sierra Betzler earned All‑CCC honorable‑mention recognition.
Injuries reshaping the attack
The Raiders will be without McKean for the entire season after she suffered a season‑ending injury, and two other key contributors are also sidelined. Goalkeeper Brittany Standley, the reigning CCC co‑Goalkeeper of the Year, is listed as unavailable, while redshirt freshman Ashlyn Fuss is expected to step into the starting role.
Coaching continuity
Head coach Jenni Rosenberg, now in her 14th year and the reigning Coach of the Year, emphasizes adaptability and leadership. Rosenberg expects the team to lean on new voices while maintaining the aggressive style that defined the 2025 run.
A demanding non‑conference schedule
The Raiders open the season on Saturday, Sept. 6, at Azusa Pacific University against Life Pacific (Calif.). The non‑conference slate also includes matchups with Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University, Westcliff University, Simpson College, Morningside College, and a rematch with Eastern Oregon University, among others.
Ranked No. 32 in the NAIA Top 25 preseason poll, the Raiders are aiming for their first Top 25 appearance since 2019. With College of Idaho projected as the Cascade favorite and the team slotted third in the coaches’ poll, the path to a historic ranking will depend on how quickly the injured players recover and how the new talent integrates.