Women's Weekend Preview: Games to Watch

by Tom Hindle

August 25, 2022

Week one of the women’s college soccer season lived up to the hype. The No. 1 overall team dropped points. North Carolina and Virginia looked frightening. No. 19 USC, a team expected to compete for the Pac 12 crown, conceded three goals to Purdue, before bouncing back with a win. Some early season predictions were summarily thrown out of the window, while others were vindicated.

Here are five games to watch this weekend, as the college soccer chaos continues.

Thursday, August 25

No. 1 Virginia at No. 10 Georgetown, 4 p.m. (Flo FC)

Virginia’s first big challenge of the season comes from a DMV rival. The Hoos have started brightly, outscoring opponents 9-1. Georgetown picked up a respectable tie against Penn State, before putting three past Massachusetts-Lowell. Virginia will likely go in as favorites, but a talented Georgetown team will be tough to beat — especially at Shaw Field.

West Virginia at No. 7 Penn State, 6 p.m. (Big Ten Network)

Penn State hasn’t quite enjoyed the fast start it expected, with a tie against Georgetown hampering opening night festivities. The Nittany Lions were far more convincing against Duquesne, running out 3-0 winners. West Virginia presents a different kind of challenge. The Mountaineers are an attacking side, with a number of threats going forward. They won’t be afraid to push for goals — and will create chances.

No. 3 Duke at No. 9 Tennessee, 7 p.m. (SEC Network)

Tennessee endured a difficult first week under head coach Joe Kirt, losing to UNC before snatching a point against SMU. Duke presents a different challenge, with a plethora of attacking options to turn to. The Blue Devils have won their first two games and seem well placed to improve to 3-0. Tennessee certainly has the quality to get a result, though — especially at home.

Sunday, August 28

No. 18 Stanford at UC Santa Barbara, 4 p.m. (Stanford Live Stream)

Stanford started the season in emphatic style, beating Sacramento State 5-0. It followed that up with a 1-0 exhibition win over the Chinese national team. UC Santa Barbara won’t make things easy — especially on the road. But it’ll be a real chance for Paul Ratcliffe to watch his team come together, with the Cardinal considered the favorite to top the Pac 12 this season.

Oklahoma State at Oklahoma, 8 p.m. (ESPN+)

Though the Sooners and Cowgirls might not push for the Big 12’s top spot in 2022, there’s enough talent on the field to make for a fascinating Bedlam derby. OSU’s Olyvia Dowell has started the season strong, scoring three goals in her first two games. Her quality will be tested against Big 12 goalkeeper of the week Makenzie Short. The Sooners have talent of their own, especially in striker Bri Amos.

Related Topics: Atlantic Coast, Big 12, Big East, Big Ten, Big West, Pacific 12, SEC