La Salle Women’s Soccer Opens 2025 Season Against Bucknell, Eyes Fourth Consecutive Winning Campaign
La Salle University women’s soccer will kick off its 2025 season at home against Bucknell on Thursday night, aiming for a fourth straight season with a .500 or better record. The match, set for 6 p.m. at McCarthy Stadium, will be available for streaming on ESPN+.
The Explorers are looking to rebound from a late-season slump in 2024 that narrowly prevented them from reaching the Atlantic 10 Tournament, despite a strong showing that previously led them to the conference title game.
Veteran Leadership Returns to the Pitch
A core group of experienced players will be instrumental in La Salle’s pursuit of success. Gabby Neal, a senior goalkeeper, is poised to once again anchor the defense, building on her established reliability in net. She will share goalkeeping duties with fellow senior Mackenna Yaracsgiving, creating what is anticipated to be one of the most seasoned goalkeeper pairings in the Atlantic 10.
Beyond the net, the Explorers will benefit from the versatility and leadership of graduate student Jillian Drumm on the back line and in the midfield. Senior midfielder Elizabeth Road also returns, bringing a refined sense of poise and vision to seamlessly connect the team’s defensive and offensive efforts.
Promising Fresh Faces Join the Ranks
La Salle has bolstered its roster with an incoming class of eight freshmen, many of whom arrive with accolades from their high school careers. The team will look to build on the success of last season’s standout rookie, Alexis Garcia, who earned A-10 All-Rookie Team honors after scoring three goals and providing an assist.
2025 Schedule Highlights
The Explorers’ 2025 schedule includes seven home games at McCarthy Stadium. The season begins with consecutive non-conference contests against Bucknell and Lehigh. Following a series of road games, La Salle will return home to begin Atlantic 10 play. The conference tournament is scheduled to begin on Friday, October 31, with the semifinals on Wednesday, November 5, and the championship game on Sunday, November 9.
Scouting the Opponent: Bucknell Bison
This matchup marks the third encounter between La Salle and Bucknell, with the Bison having won both previous contests. Bucknell, coached by Kelly Cook, is coming off a successful 2024 season with a 12-4-3 record, reaching their championship game before a narrow defeat to Boston University in a penalty shootout.
