You Won’t Believe How This Women’s Soccer Season Shattered Records – Find Out What Happens Next!

In a year marked by significant developments in women’s soccer, the Northwestern Wildcats have made a strong statement as they prepare to transition into a promising future. Following their recent success in the NCAA DI Women’s Soccer Championship and the Big Ten Tournament, this season has brought not only an impressive record but also a renewed sense of hope for the program. With the upcoming arrival of the NWSL's Chicago Stars in Evanston for the 2026 season, the implications for women's soccer in the area — and at the collegiate level — are substantial.

For the first time since 2022, the Wildcats qualified for the Big Ten Tournament, ending the regular season with a record of 9-4-8, translating to a win percentage of .619. Their journey to this point was characterized by matches against tough opponents, including several ranked teams. This season has proven that Northwestern is not only competitive but also capable of upending expectations.

Highlighting their season was an upset victory over No. 4 TCU in September, marking a significant milestone. The Wildcats triumphed 1-0, led by a first-half goal from second-year forward Kennedy Roesch, demonstrating their potential and determination to challenge the elite teams in the NCAA landscape. This victory became the highest-ranked road win in the school’s history, eclipsing their previous record against No. 6 Stanford just three years prior.

The Wildcats’ performance throughout the season was not just a flash in the pan. They displayed resilience in several draws against ranked opponents, including a 1-1 tie against No. 11 Iowa and a 0-0 draw against No. 23 Ohio State, which helped them secure their standing in the competitive 18-team Big Ten conference. Central to this success was a combination of potent offensive play and stellar goalkeeping.

Kennedy Roesch emerged as a key player, finishing the season with 10 goals and 23 points, placing her among the top five in the Big Ten for attacking performance. Her efforts earned her unanimous First-Team All-Big Ten honors, a testament to her growth and consistency as a player. With two years remaining in her collegiate career, Roesch is poised to further solidify her impact on the Wildcats' future.

Equally impressive was first-year goalkeeper Nyamma Nelson, who quickly established herself as a force on the field. Starting all 21 games of the season, Nelson recorded 10 clean sheets, setting a program record for the most shutouts by a first-year player in a single season. She also ranked fourth in the Big Ten for saves, amassing 75 throughout the season and demonstrating her poise under pressure.

As the Wildcats entered the playoff rounds, they continued to demonstrate their tenacity. Competing as the No. 7 seed in the Big Ten Tournament, they faced No. 10 USC in the opening round. In a thrilling match, Northwestern clinched victory with an 85th-minute goal from third-year forward Megan Norkett. Despite a subsequent loss to No. 2 Michigan State in the quarterfinals, where they fell 1-0, their overall playoff performance showcased the team’s resilience and potential.

In the NCAA DI Women’s Soccer Championship, the Wildcats faced No. 8 Alabama and exhibited their fighting spirit by taking the lead twice. However, following a tightly contested match that ended in a tie, they were eliminated in a penalty shootout, concluding their season with a score of 3-1 in penalties. Despite the heartbreak, the Wildcats left the tournament with their heads held high, marking a season of growth and achievements.

As the Wildcats look to the future, the leadership of head coach Michael Moynihan will be crucial. Entering his 15th season, Moynihan has the opportunity to build upon this successful campaign, utilizing the momentum and experience gained this year. For Northwestern’s women’s soccer program, the combination of young talent and support from the community as the Chicago Stars make their move to Evanston signals a bright path ahead, one filled with the potential to elevate the status of women’s soccer at both the collegiate and professional levels.

As the Wildcats prepare for the 2026 season, expectations run high. The foundation built this year not only serves to inspire the current team but also the future generations of athletes who will take the field in Evanston. The journey has just begun, and with each step, the Wildcats are proving that they are ready to compete on the national stage.