The Basics
Drake women's soccer will begin its MVC title defense with the 2024 season opener on the road before bringing their talents back home for the 2024 home debut. The Bulldogs are set for a visit to St. Thomas (Aug. 15) prior to hosting Kansas (Aug. 18).
Bulldogs by the Numbers
The defending Missouri Valley Conference regular season champion Drake women's soccer team will again enter the 2024 season with high expectations. The Bulldogs finished second with three first-place votes in the MVC Preseason Poll. Last year's regular season crown was the seventh in program history for Drake as head coach
Lindsey Horner the Dogs to a 13-4-3 record, tying the team record for wins in a single season.
Key Returners (2023 stats)
Angela Gutierrez – 17 points, 6 goals, 5 assists
Layla Kelbel – 15 points, 6 goals, 3 assists
Addie Ford – 12-3-2 record, 58 saves, 14 goals allowed 4 shutouts
Scouting St. Thomas
St. Thomas brought up the rear of the Summit League last season with a 3-7-5 overall record and mark of 1-5-2 in league action. The Tommies finished the season 1-2-1 over their last four matches a season ago.
Drake is an even 1-1-1 in three previous matches vs. St. Thomas.
Key Returners
Mariah Nguyen – 12 points, 5 goals, 2 assists
Lexi Huber – 6 points, 2 goals, 2 assists
Olivia Rowe – 3-7-5 record, 71 saves, 22 goals allowed, 5 shutouts
Scouting Kansas
The Jayhawks of Kansas went 4-8-6 overall and 1-7-2 in Big 12 Conference play last season. They finished their 2023 campaign with a finale win over rival Kansas State to snap a 12-game winless drought.
Drake is 0-4-1 all-time against Kansas with the most recent tilt coming in 2022.
Key Returners
Hallie Klanke – 13 points, 4 goalts, 5 assists
Lexi Watts – 7 points, 2 goals, 3 assists
Raena Knust – 6 points, 3 goals
Up Next
Drake will remain in the friendly confines of Mediacom Stadium as the Bulldogs host a historic night in Des Moines. The Drake women will open up a Thursday-night double-header with a tilt against Iowa State before the Bulldog men welcome cross-town rival Grand View to campus. The inaugural Drake soccer double-header is set to take place on August 22.
