Northwestern State's soccer team kicks off its regular season with a challenging matchup against Oklahoma after last year's historic victory over No. 19 Texas. This is part of a tough three-game stretch against power conference teams. Head coach Ian Brophy emphasizes the team's strength and depth, highlighting a competitive spirit despite the tough competition. The team features returning all-conference players who were key in their successful prior season, and there's excitement surrounding new players as well.

By the Numbers
  • NSU's 2025 first team selections include Paige Baumgartner, Hosane Soukou, and Riley Stern, all among the top five returning goal scorers in the Southland Conference.
  • Stern leads returning players with 11 assists, just one shy of breaking into the top 10 in school history.
State of Play
  • The Demons are ranked first in the Southland preseason poll, reflecting high expectations for the season.
  • Eight new players have joined the team, and strong depth has been noted from exhibition games.
What's Next

After the opener against Oklahoma, NSU travels to LSU on Sunday and then to Texas for a matchup with Houston on August 20.

Bottom Line

NSU's season opener sets a crucial tone for the year, blending returning talent and new players in a competitive environment. The team's past successes indicate potential for another standout season.