Season Opener Sets the Stage
The DePaul Blue Demons women's soccer team will open its 2026 campaign on August 16, hosting Northern Illinois at Wish Field in Chicago. The match marks the tenth meeting between the two Illinois programs and kicks off a home‑and‑home stretch that also includes a showdown with Denver on August 20.
DePaul is looking to bounce back from a 4‑12‑2 record in 2025, a season that featured a breakthrough Power Five victory over Purdue and a 13‑game winning streak against Seton Hall. Despite a demanding schedule, the Blue Demons hope the early home games will provide a springboard for improvement.
A Look at the Opponent
Northern Illinois, guided by fifth‑year head coach Michael O’Neill, returns 17 players from a squad that fell 2‑1 to Illinois State in its own preseason test. The Huskies have already tasted defeat this year, but they will be eager to reverse the trend when they travel to Chicago.
Among the key returnees for DePaul are goalkeeper Mason Hillery and midfielders Danielle Fjeldsted and Shayna da Silva, while sophomore Sophia Holtzman and freshman Katelyn Haiser join a group of twelve newcomers. The roster also features forward Mya Gardner, adding depth to an attack that aims to build on last year’s shutout win at Purdue.
Both matches will be streamed on ESPN+ at 4 p.m. Central Time, and admission is free for fans. The Blue Demons hope the early exposure will translate into stronger support and a positive start to the season.