2026 Zips Womens Soccer

[csims0917]

It's soccer season already? World Cup really made the summer fly by. Akron faces Oakland Sunday to kick off the athletic year! Go Zips!

[TennZip]

Mid American Conference coaches poll

https://getsomemaction.com/news/2026/8/10/womens-soccer-western-michigan-selected-as-favorite-in-mac-preseason-coaches-poll.aspx

[Reslife4Life]

I was at the start of the women’s game vs Oakland today. Team looked good when they actually tried to attack. But they did try to hold the ball and go backwards more than needed. Reece paget #10 had a rocket from outside the box hit the top corner of the post. No score when the game got suspended about 25 minutes in due to incoming weather. Really good timing by the officials to call it when they did, they gave everyone just enough time to get out of the stadium to their cars/shelter. 

[WeRise225]

They look good today. Definitely could have more than 2 currently 

[csims0917]

3-0 win! Great way to start of the year 

[Blue & Gold]

Score doesn't show 😂, but as @csims0917 posted, 3-0 good gals.

Edited Sunday at 09:31 PM by Blue & Gold

[72 Roo]

I watched the game on streaming. Here are my thoughts FWIW.

 

• I love the white uniforms
• The team is better than last year, but by no means a MAC champion. Maggie continues building.
• I like the way they play: out of the back, quick transition to the attacking third, good wing play, keep the ball on the ground
• The team is young and has depth
• They lack speed up top
• They will have to play themselves into shape. There are several young players who are not D1 fit
• Their CB's are solid. They see the field well and are very capable of starting the attack with passes on the ground. I like their intelligence too because when it was open they went over the top and it was effective
• Oakland was a good opponent to start. I regard the Horizon league as rarely up to MAC average standards. But then again the MAC is not a quality women's soccer conference. Nonetheless this was a good opening game. 
• We need a skillful mid who can control the attack and distribute the ball.
• We don't have a quality striker who has speed and skill. That is probably the hardest player to recruit in women's soccer. That being said I respect Wenzel up top. She is a pain in the ass to all defenders. She finds way to be around the ball in the box and that led to goals. If she could learn to create her shot she could be a dangerous scorer.
• Our athleticism is suspect. I believe this is because it will take Maggie another two recruiting seasons to stock the team with athletic, skillful players.
• This team may be better than it appears. I hear two starters are out with season-threatening injuries. If anyone has the scoop on them please share. It is my hope that they will return after rehab yet this season.
• This team will be fun to watch

[adzip]

comments on 72 Roo comments-

 

I do not consider myself an expert by any means- so these thoughts may not be on point:

 

1. Agree this team is clearly better

2. I think the injuries referenced above may have had an effect on their lineup that, if resolved, would help find some help with the limitations you noted.

3. #5 Luisa Fragnoli is out. My guess is that she would start at center back. #10 Reece Paget is certainly one of this team's potential stars. #10 is typically given to the offensive midfielder you expect to be a skillful mid who can control the attack and distribute the ball. Her shot that hit the crossball from where she took it is not something you plan for a center back to take- if you have a center mid who can shoot and score from distance it puts tremondous pressure on the defense and opens passing potential for your #10. I think, and hope, that #10 was playing out of position to help the team.

4. I hope that the other injury was to a starter with the speed you are seeking in the offense. I also think that #23 Emma Ogdahl showed real potential as a reasonably skilled offensive weapon that may fit into your search for a striker. Not because she scored but because she was able to create multiple shots on target with pace in limited minutes.

 

Go Zips!