The Drake women's soccer squad is gearing up for a busy stretch that will see them host two home fixtures in quick succession, beginning with a showdown against Grand View on August 26 and followed by a clash with SIUE on August 30.
A Crucial Week for the Bulldogs
The Bulldogs have momentum on their side after dropping two straight victories on their own turf, having edged out Iowa State and St. Thomas (MN) in recent outings, a run that has lifted confidence heading into the new week.
At the heart of the attack, senior forward Angela Gutierrez has been the most prolific scorer, already tallying two goals and five points in the first four games, a pace that places her at the top of the team's offensive chart.
Freshmen Alexa Aylward and junior Isabella Balsley each found the back of the net in the latest win, illustrating the depth of scoring options that the coaching staff can deploy.
Between the posts, the duo of Addie Ford and Kate Hopma have split duties evenly, with Ford recording eight saves and Hopma five, providing a balanced approach that has kept opponents at bay.
Historically, Drake holds a perfect record against Grand View, having won both previous meetings without conceding a goal, while the Bulldogs also enjoy a slight edge in the all‑time series with SIUE, having taken three straight victories.
SIUE arrives with an unbeaten start to the season, sitting at 2‑0‑2 after wins over Alabama A&M and Austin Peay, and will be led by midfielder Claire Nieroda, who has contributed two goals and four assists for eight points.
The week will not end there; the Bulldogs are slated to close their homestand with a match against Western Illinois on September 2 at Mediacom Stadium, a venue that promises another chance to extend their winning streak.