The fall sports season at Northwestern University is off to a remarkable start, with both the men’s and women’s soccer teams and the field hockey team maintaining their unbeaten records. The Wildcats have shown impressive performances in their respective sports, earning national rankings and conference honors.
Soccer teams dominate opponents with high-scoring offense
The No. 18 women’s soccer team is undefeated through nine games (7-0-2), scoring 28 goals and conceding only seven. The Wildcats have a top-10 scoring unit in the country, led by senior midfielders Meg Boade and Josie Aulicino, who have combined for 11 goals and 13 assists. The team’s defense is also solid, with graduate student defenders Danika Austin and Nicole Doucette and junior defender Emma Phillips forming a formidable backline. The team is poised to make another NCAA Tournament run in 2023, after reaching the Sweet Sixteen in 2022.
The No. 13 men’s soccer team is also undefeated in eight games (6-0-2), scoring 19 goals and allowing only six. The Wildcats have climbed to their highest ranking since 2013, thanks to the stellar play of senior forward Justin Weiss, who ranks third in the nation in total points with 16. Weiss has scored seven goals and assisted on two others, leading the team’s potent attack. The team has also benefited from the contributions of sophomore goalkeeper Mikey Arrigoni, who has recorded four shutouts and a 0.72 goals against average.
Field hockey team overcomes challenges to stay on top
The No. 2 field hockey team has bounced back from a season-opening loss to No. 9 Louisville, winning seven consecutive games and outscoring their opponents 32-6. The Wildcats have overcome the loss of several key players from last year’s senior class, as well as the absence of first-team All-American and senior midfielder Maddie Zimmer, who is playing for Team USA in the 2023 Pan American Games. The team has relied on the leadership and skill of senior forward Lakin Barry, who leads the nation in goals (14) and points (32), and junior goalkeeper Annabel Skubisz, who has posted five shutouts and a 0.75 goals against average.
The Wildcats are aiming for another deep run in the NCAA Tournament, after reaching the Final Four in 2022. The team will face tough competition in the Big Ten Conference, which features four other ranked teams: No. 3 Maryland, No. 4 Iowa, No. 7 Michigan and No. 10 Rutgers.
