WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The third year of the Richard Moodie era, and the 29th season of Purdue Soccer, begins with the home opener at Folk Field against Evansville at 7:00 p.m. est Thursday night.
Purdue’s roster features two fifth-year graduate students, six seniors, seven juniors, four sophomores, and ten freshmen. The Boilers hail from seven different countries including Australia, Canada, Germany, Spain, Sweden, the United States and Venezuela.
The roster of 29 student-athletes also has 10 returners, while 19 new Boilermakers are looking to make their debut for the Old Gold and Black in match one.
The Boilers are 18-8-2 all-time in season openers, and 11-3-1 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. To open the 2025 season, Purdue shut out Indiana State 4-0 and went on to defeat Ball State 5-2, marking the first time in six seasons Purdue began its campaign 2-0.
The Boilers return key experience in seniors Irene Campo and Megan Santa Cruz, as well as the talents of transfer, Jaiden Anderson. The trio was named All-Big Ten Preseason Players to Watch for the upcoming 2026 season.
SCOUTING THE OPPONENTS
In 2025, the Purple Aces put together a strong season, going 7-7-2 on the year. Evansville earned wins over Austin Peay, Belmont, Northern Iowa, SEMO, SIUE and UIC. The token victory of the season for Evansville was the 2-1 win over the Boilers, marking the first-ever victory and goal scored against Purdue.
Purdue Fort Wayne struggled in 2025, winning just two matches while earning a 2-15-1 record on the year. The Mastodons took a 6-0 victory over NAIA program, Indiana Tech, and a 2-1 victory over Detroit Mercy. Freshman, Bella Masse, led the Mastodons with three goals on the season, while junior, Morgan Gallagher, added three assists.
SERIES HISTORY
The Boilers have a 4-1 record against Evansville, with the Purple Aces earning their lone victory in the 2025 season. On Sept.14, 2003, the Boilers set four program records against Evansville in the 8-0 win, including most-goals in a half (6), most-goals in a game (8), most assists in a game, and most points in a game (26).
Purdue and Purdue Fort Wayne have only played one another in their histories despite the namesake. Purdue defeated the Mastodons 2-0 in West Lafayette on Sept. 13, 2003.
BIG TEN PRESEASON PLAYERS TO WATCH
The trio of Campo, Santa Cruz and Anderson were named to the Big Ten preseason Players to Watch list ahead of the upcoming game on Thursday.
During the 2025 season, Campo landed a spot on the All-Big Ten Second Team and led the Boilers, scoring eight goals with two assists in 1,482 minutes on the pitch.
Santa Cruz, who transferred from Washington State last season, scored four goals on the season with two assists. The senior was an All-WCC honorable mention at Washington State.
Anderson was second on the USC roster for scoring with six goals in 2025, including four assists. The junior has eight career-goals and seven assists.
PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE
This week’s matches will be the first Kids Club game as well as the Camper Reunion.
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.