TicketsCINCINNATI - The University of Cincinnati women's soccer team hosts rival Xavier at 6 p.m. on Sunday at Gettler Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The Bearcats will then defend their home field against Central Michigan on Thursday, Aug. 28 inside Gettler Stadium.
Cincinnati's match versus Xavier will be broadcast nationally on ESPN+.
// SERIES HISTORY
Cincinnati has faced Xavier 35 times in their history with the Bearcats holding a 25-8-2 edge.
The two teams last saw each other at Corcoran Field in 2024, resulting in a 1-0 win for Xavier.
The series started in 1982.
UC's last win against the Musketeers was in the 2014 where the Bearcats won, 2-0, at home inside Gettler Stadium.
// LAST TIME OUT
The Fighting Irish struck early with two goals in a six-minute span during the first 14 minutes of play. The Bearcats settled in defensively and limited Notre Dame to just two additional shots the rest of the half.
After the break, Notre Dame secured two more goals in the 60th and 87th minutes for the eventual 4-0 final score.
Off the bench, Jada Arthurs and Joy Kimwemwe provided an offensive spark, each logging career highs in minutes played. Kayla Gaynor, Anna Barber, Rylee Felton and Arthurs each tallied a shot, while senior goalkeeper Camryn Miller recorded a career-high three saves.
Notre Dame held the advantage in shots (15-4), shots on goal (7-1) and corner kicks (6-0).
Graduate student Ellie Flower also made her 50th career appearance as a Bearcat.
// RETURNING STRENGTH
Cincinnati brings back eight starters from last season, including Emma Gioffre, Faith Broering, and Megan Smith, each of whom started all 19 matches. Twelve of UC’s 17 returners appeared in double-digit games for the Red & Black.
While the Bearcats will miss five-year starting goalkeeper Anna Rexford, they return their entire defensive line, featuring Broering, Oubs, Swingle, and Daveler.
// NEW CATS ON THE BLOCK
The Bearcats welcome four transfers and eight freshmen to the 2025 roster. Cincinnati's freshman class includes Lexi O'Shea, Christa Gibbons, Ava "AJ" Hendrick, Kailey Shannon, Lily DiBernardo, Dru Dorsey and twins Kayla and Bryana Gaynor.
Transfers Camryn Miller (Virginia), Molly Cochran (Louisville), Karson Yon (Minnesota) and Joy Kimwemwe (USF) also join the Bearcats.
// MILESTONE WATCH
Graduate student Ellie Flower is nine goals away from the 20-goal milestone.
Sophomore Rylee Felton is two goals away from reaching 10 in her career.
// A WIN WOULD...
Give UC its first win against Xavier since 2014.
Give the Bearcats their 14th win at home versus the Musketeers in their series