The Hilltoppers are set to welcome the Cardinals to their home turf for a much‑anticipated encounter that will mark the third meeting between the programs in recent memory. The game, scheduled for Sunday, August 23 at 1 p.m. CT, will be played on the familiar grass of the WKU Soccer Complex, a venue that has witnessed some of the most memorable moments in the team's recent history.
WKU arrives into the fixture with a 1‑0‑2 record against Ball State, a tally that reflects a balanced rivalry standing at one win, one loss and one draw. The Hilltoppers' defensive solidity, which ranked second in the league last season with a goals‑against average of 0.86, will be tested against a Ball State side that finished the 2025 campaign with a 10‑7‑3 overall record and a 7‑4‑1 mark in Mid‑American Conference play.
Offensively, the Hilltoppers have already shown they can strike when it matters. April McDonald opened the season’s scoring with a well‑timed strike in a 1‑1 draw against UAB, the goal assisted by Georgia Liapis. The play underscored the chemistry that has developed early in the campaign and hinted at the attacking depth the team can draw upon.
Makenna Egan, whose game‑winning goal against Indiana State earned her both a sixth career goal and a second award‑winning performance, adds another dimension to the attack. Her ability to find space in the final third will be crucial against a Ball State defense that, while solid, has shown vulnerability in tight contests.
Between the posts, Mia Riddick has been nothing short of spectacular. Her season‑high seven saves against a potent opponent earned her Goalkeeper of the Week honors, and her eight total saves across two clean sheets have cemented her status as a reliable last line of defense.
Coaching continuity and experience
Head coach Jason Neidell, who was celebrated as CUSA Coach of the Year last season, continues to shape the team’s identity with a blend of disciplined tactics and player‑centric development. His influence is evident in the way the squad balances aggressive attacking play with a disciplined defensive structure.
Ball State will also field a core group of returning veterans, including Lexi Watkins, Jordyn Klassen and Izzy Rozz, all of whom appeared in every one of the team’s 20 games during the 2025 season. Their experience could provide the Cardinals with the stability needed to challenge the Hilltoppers’ home advantage.
As the kickoff approaches, the stage is set for a contest that will likely influence conference standings and shape the narrative of both programs as they move deeper into the season. Fans can expect a tightly contested match, rich with individual storylines and the promise of more memorable moments.