The Northwestern Wildcats women’s soccer program entered the 2025 season with cautious optimism, hoping to translate a solid 4‑2‑5 conference record into a deeper postseason run.
A late‑game strike by Megan Norkett secured a 1‑0 victory over USC in the opening round of the Big Ten Tournament, but the momentum stalled when the Wildcats fell 1‑0 to Michigan State in the quarterfinals.
The team’s NCAA Tournament debut ended in a 1‑0 defeat to Alabama, decided by penalties, leaving the squad without a win in the national stage.
Coach Michael Moynihan, who has guided the program through a rebuilding phase, praised the contributions of departing seniors Caterina Regazzoni and Brooke Miller, while noting the emergence of a talented junior class led by forward Kennedy Roesch, who tallied ten goals and three assists.
Goalkeeper Nyamma Nelson anchored the defense with ten clean sheets and a conference‑fourth‑best 17 goals conceded, providing stability between the posts.
Experience was bolstered by Alex Fallon’s return from an ACL injury, adding depth to the attack, while freshmen such as midfielder Elle Phillips and goalkeeper Kadance Radwanski Balogh arrived with high expectations.
International additions Naomi Lofthouse from Canada and forward Kayla Kamdem further diversified the roster, bringing new tactical options for the upcoming campaign.
The Wildcats will test their progress in an exhibition match against Notre Dame on August 5 in South Bend, Indiana, a venue that will also serve as an early gauge of the team’s chemistry before the 2026 schedule begins.
Looking ahead to 2026
With seven freshmen joining the squad and a core of returning players poised to build on their 2025 experience, the Wildcats hope to translate early‑season gains into a competitive postseason run next year.