The new Big East is here, and the landscape is quite different in women’s soccer.

With the split of the Big East and newly formed American Athletic Conference, the remaining squads no longer get matchups with the likes of Notre Dame, Connecticut, Louisville and Syracuse, who have jumped ship for new conferences.

That said, Georgetown and Marquette represent two formidable foes and budding powers on the national stage who will look to take a stranglehold of their new yet familiar digs. 

Big East

Brief Conference Bio:
2012 Conference Champions: Georgetown, Marquette
Conference Tournament Champion: Marquette
Offensive Player of the Year: Daphne Corboz, Georgetown
Defensive Player of the Year: Ally Miller, Marquette
Midfielder of the Year: Charlyn Corral, Louisville
Goalkeeper of the Year: Brittany Anghel, Syracuse
Rookie of the Year: Cari Roccaro, Notre Dame
Coach of the Year: Dave Nolan, Georgetown

Teams (2012 overall/conference record):

Butler (12-5-3/5-1-3*)

Swapping the Atlantic 10 for the new Big East is Butler, one of two sides in the new conference. Last year the program made significant strides, posting a quality record with some young contributors. That includes sophomore midfielder Sophia Maccagnone, who led the team with 11 goals and 2 assists, fellow second year player defender Randi DeLong, and juniors Elise Kotakis, Kelly Mahoney and Stephanie Kaylor. The addition of Serina Kashimoto, center back and captain for the Japanese U17 WNT in 2011, with this year’s recruiting class, could prove to be a huge difference maker as well if she can adjust to the demands of physical, athletic nature of women’s college soccer. 

Creighton (3-13-3/0-6-0**)

After a winless season in the MVC last season, the move to the Big East presents a significant step up. And it’s a challenge they’ll have to undertake without their best player from a year ago, as Brittney Neuman graduated after a solid senior season. Veteran head coach Bruce Erickson is entering his 15th year as head coach, and he’ll face one of his more difficult seasons with the move. One of the main leaders will be senior defender Kelsey O’Donnell, who fought through injuries to make an appearance in all 19 games last season. Lauren Cingorelli needs to up her offensive production in Neuman’s absence if the Bluejays hope to pull a surprise and knock on the door of the a top five finish.

DePaul (9-10-2/3-6-1)

A team that returns nine starters from last year’s squad that sprung an upset against Villanova in the Big East championship, the Blue Demons could certainly make a push towards the top if they can find the right formula this season. Experience crops up in several parts of the field, with senior defender Kylie Nordness leading the charge at the back, while leading scorer Elise Wyatt is back in the fold, joined in the final third by Ashleigh Goddard, Brianna Ryce and Amber Paul. It’s going to take a mighty push to keep pace with the Hoyas or Golden Eagles, but head coach Erin Chastain will have her players ready.

Georgetown (16-4-3/8-1-1)

Midfielder Daphne Corboz is the star of the show for the Hoyas. A creative and technically excellent attacking midfielder, the All American bagged 18 goals and notched 8 assists last season. It’s far from just her show, however, as there is a delightful cast supporting her in the nation’s capital. Forward Kaitlin Brenn supplied 10 goals and 10 assists leading the line, while center back Emily Menges can hang with some of the best attackers in the country. Redshirt sophomore Emma Newins is a quality option in goal, while Colleen Dinn and Marina Paul also offer quality play in the midfield.

Marquette (18-2-3/9-0-1)

A strong rivalry should continue to blossom between the Golden Eagles and Hoyas, as the sides enter 2013 as the favorites for the Big East crown. There are strong options for head coach Markus Roeder in several pockets of the field, including midfielder/forward Maegan Kelly, midfielder Taylor Madigan and defender Emily Jacobson, who will lead the team at the back. Marquette will also likely hand the starting spot in goal to Amanda Engel, who impressed in her freshman season in net and will be a part of the team’s formidable spine.

Providence (8-9-1/3-7-0)

Having a healthy Catherine Zimmerman for the duration of the 2013 season is one of the main keys for the Friars heading into the upcoming campaign. The dynamic forward was shelved down the stretch, but despite that bagged seven goals in 10 games player in 2012. If she stays on the field and the goal totals go up, look for Providence to turn some losses into wins and climb their way up the standings. 

Seton Hall (7-12-0/2-9-0)

While the Pirates were picked eighth in the Big East preseason poll, they do have an intriguing backbone of experienced seniors, with Brittney Albrecht, Ashley Clarke, Meghan Hayes, Marie Klemme, Katie Ritter and Amie Ruhe. The six have more than 300 appearances combined, so it wouldn’t be too much of a shock if this side exceeded expectations. However, it takes experience plus talent to produce victories, and the real key for Seton Hall is cutting down on goals conceded after giving up 41 last season.

St. John's (6-10-1/2-7-1)

Last year, Amy Marron swapped her usual forward and midfield spots for a place in the back line, and the talented and versatile senior didn’t miss a beat. She’s one of many players who needs to step up and have a big season for the Red Storm to put in an improved record at season’s end. Midfielder Emily Cubbage is one of those players, as the midfielder/forward led the team in goals during her freshman season a year ago, and if she can creep up towards double-digit totals, it bodes well for the program’s chances.

Villanova (7-9-3/5-4-1)

If either Marquette or Georgetown slips up at any point this season, the Wildcats are hoping to be there ready to capitalize. There is talent at their disposal, including defender Taylor Houck, sophomore midfielder Emily Damstrom, who is coming off a strong freshman debut season and goalkeeper Jami Kranich, a member of the 2012 U20 U.S. WNT World Cup winners.

Xavier (6-12-1/1-8-0*)

Life in the Atlantic 10 last fall was a struggle for the Musketeers. The arrival of Courtney Kobashigawa, a transfer from Kentucky, should certainly give the side a boost, but it’s going to take more than just one player to make a huge difference in a challenging league. Senior Mariah Whitaker was the team’s most productive offensive player last year with three goals and three assists, but more is needed in different parts of the field for the team to raise their profile and improve their record.

*Denotes 2012 Atlantic 10 conference record

**Denotes 2012 Missouri Valley Conference record