A New Chapter for the Eagles
Boston College’s women’s soccer squad will open its 2026 campaign on the road, heading to Ithaca for a 1:00 p.m. EST showdown with Cornell on August 23. The match will stream live on ESPN+, giving fans a chance to follow the Eagles’ early‑season progress.
The Eagles arrive with a 2‑0 record after a 2‑1 victory over St. John’s, a win highlighted by first‑career goals from Nicolette Kiorpes, Tess Barrett and Addison Kalaw. Sophie Reale, who netted twice in the opening two games, returns for her second season as the team’s leading scorer from last year.
Key Players and Roster Dynamics
Coach’s confidence rests on a blend of experience and fresh talent. Thirteen players who logged at least 14 appearances last season return, including six who started every match in 2025. Captains Olivia Shippee, Amalia Dray and Baylor Goldthwaite will lead a backline anchored by goalkeeper Faith Fenwick, who posted a .846 save percentage in her sophomore year.
The midfield will feature sophomore Samantha Qureshey for Cornell, who posted a 1.22 goals‑against average and a .750 save percentage last year. For Boston College, the attack will lean on Kalaw, who scored in back‑to‑back games, and Reale, whose early‑season form suggests she could again be a decisive factor.
Rivalry and Recent History
The two programs share a 3‑2‑3 all‑time series record, with the most recent encounter ending in a 0‑0 draw at the Newton Soccer Complex on August 22, 2025. Boston College’s last win over Cornell came in Ithaca in 2024, a 3‑2 thriller that showcased the competitiveness of the matchup.
Cornell opened its season with a 3‑2 victory over St. Bonaventure, where Ivy Tolbert, Emily Gibbons and Alanna Colbert each contributed a goal and an assist. The Big Red outshot their opponents 21‑8 and held a 6‑4 edge in corner kicks, underscoring their early‑season momentum.
With 10 newcomers — five transfers and five freshmen — Boston College’s roster turnover adds intrigue. The team will be tested against a Cornell side that returns 17 players, including its top two scorers from 2025, and retains 67.4 % of its offensive production.
The upcoming clash promises a blend of seasoned leadership and youthful energy, as both squads look to build early momentum. Fans can expect a tightly contested battle that reflects the growing narrative of this historic rivalry.