Minnesota State Women's Soccer Poised for Another Breakout Season
The United Soccer Coaches Division II preseason poll has placed the Minnesota State Mavericks women's soccer squad at No. 15, a testament to the program's sustained excellence. The ranking reflects a 2025 campaign that culminated in an 18‑1‑4 overall record and a perfect run through the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, where the team captured its eleventh conference championship.
At the heart of that success was junior goalkeeper Lauren McAlpine, who earned D2CCA First Team All‑America and United Soccer Coaches Third Team All‑America honors. McAlpine posted a .906 save percentage that ranked second nationally and a 0.384 goals‑against average that placed her third, while her 16 shutouts included a school‑record 15 conference clean sheets, earning her the NSIC Goalkeeper of the Year award.
Offensively, junior forward Marin Johnson and senior forward Maddix Archer will again lead the attack. Johnson contributed five goals, three assists and 13 points last season, including three game‑winning goals, while Archer tied for third in scoring with 12 points, directing the team with 57 shots and 21 on target. Both players are expected to build on those numbers as the Mavericks aim to maintain their offensive firepower.
Leadership and Tournament pedigree
Head coach Brian Bahl, now in his thirteenth season at the helm, has guided the program to the NCAA Tournament in 12 of his 13 completed years and boasts a career record of 272‑72‑53. The Mavericks will host the NCAA regional tournament for the second straight year and have secured a spot in the national championship field for 14 consecutive seasons, underscoring the program's consistency.
The 2026 schedule opens with exhibition matches against Iowa Lakes Community College, Northwest Missouri State and Simpson College before a home‑opening weekend that features a showdown with Central Missouri and No. 19 Grand Valley State. New streaming platforms will carry NSIC events, giving fans expanded access to the team's pursuit of another deep tournament run.