Syracuse University’s women’s soccer program has faced a challenging reality since entering the Atlantic Coast Conference, managing only two seasons with a winning record above the .500 mark.
This season, however, the Orange are pinning their hopes on a massive roster overhaul, bringing in nine transfer players and six freshmen to reshape the squad.
Among the newcomers is Ali Howard, a redshirt sophomore who arrives from the Tennessee Volunteers after a standout year in the US Olympic Development Program National Select Team in 2025. She is the daughter of US Soccer Hall of Fame goalkeeper Tim Howard, adding a notable lineage to the roster.
Howard is not the only experienced player joining the Orange. The transfer portal has delivered a cascade of talent, including Vickie Jones from the Michigan Wolverines, Chloe Joseph from Oklahoma State, as well as athletes from Houston Cougars, Old Dominion Monarchs, Youngstown State Penguins, UConn Huskies and Washington State Cougars.
A New Competitive Edge
Coaches say the influx of seasoned talent provides the depth and tactical versatility needed to challenge traditional powerhouses in the ACC. The staff believes the blend of youthful freshmen and battle‑tested transfers will translate into a more cohesive and defensively solid unit.
Fans are already buzzing about the potential impact, with ticket sales and social media engagement spiking ahead of the first scheduled match. If the early chemistry translates into on‑field results, the Orange could finally break the cycle of underachievement that has defined their recent ACC tenure.