WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The second year of the Moodie era, and the 28th season of Purdue Soccer begins with the home opener at Folk Field against Indiana State on Thursday, August 14, at 7:00 p.m. ET.
Purdue’s roster features one fifth year, four seniors, eight juniors, two sophomores, and nine freshmen. The Boilers hail from 10 different countries, including Argentina, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Iceland, Spain, Sweden, the United States and Venezuela.
The Boilers are 17-8-2 all-time in season openers, and 10-3-1 since 2015. In 28 seasons of Purdue soccer, the Boilers have opened at home in all but four years, 2002, 2008, 2011, and 2020-21. In the 2024 season, Purdue defeated Washington State in the season and home opener with a one-nil shutout over the Cougars.
The Boilers return key experience in juniors Emily Edwards and Zoe Cuneio, as well as transfer, Megan Santa Cruz. The trio was named All-Big Ten Preseason Players to Watch for the upcoming 2025 season.
SCOUTING THE OPPONENTS
In 2024, the Indiana State Sycamores finished the season with a winning record of 10-6-5, going 4-3-3 in the Missouri Valley Conference. In the MVC tournament, the Sycamores defeated Southern Illinois 2-1 in the first round, before falling to Belmont one-nil in the quarterfinals.
Indiana State is led by the talents of senior defender Brooklyn Woods who was named to the MVC preseason All-Conference team after being named All-Midwest Region for the first time in her career during the 2024 season.
SERIES HISTORY
Against the Sycamores, the Boilers have a 4-0 record, with the last time the two played being back in 2017. The first match between the two teams took place in 2003, where the Boilers defeated Indiana State 2-0. Of the four matches, the Boilers have played three at home, which will continue with the game on Thursday. The Boilers have scored 14 goals against Indiana State, where the Sycamores have been held scoreless in all four matches.
BIG TEN PRESEASON PLAYERS TO WATCH
The trio of Cuneio, Edwards, and Santa Cruz were named to the Big Ten preseason Players to Watch list ahead of the upcoming game on Thursday.
In the 2024 season, Cuneio started and played in all 18 matches for the Boilers, with the highest number of total minutes played on the team. Cuneio earned one assist on the season, with two of her three shots being on goal.
Edwards was in goal for 15 of the 18 matches, earning 1.19 GAA average, with a 0.761 SV% and six shutouts. She earned a spot in the record books tying for 6th in most shutouts in a season and 9th for fewest goals against in a season.
Santa Cruz, a Washington State transfer, was All-WCC Honorable mention, and played and started in all 19 games. Santa Cruz had three goals with five assists while playing over 1,300 minutes for the Cougars.
PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE
Camper Reunion: Come join us for poster and button making, as well as bounce houses!
For more on the Purdue soccer team, visit PurdueSports.com/Soccer and follow and connect with the Boilermakers at @PurdueSoccer on Twitter/X, Instagram and Facebook.