Northwestern Opens 2017 vs. DePaul at Martin Stadium

8/17/2017 2:58:00 PM | Women's Soccer

EVANSTON, Ill. – No. 23 Northwestern kicks off the 2017 season Friday night at 7 p.m. when it welcomes DePaul to Martin Stadium.

The Wildcats are coming off a record-setting season in 2016 after capturing their first Big Ten Championship, tying the program record with 16 wins, and advancing to the Round of 16 in the NCAA Tournament.

Head coach Michael Moynihan's side is primed for another strong campaign, returning nine starters, including five All Big-Ten honorees from last season and four All-Great Lakes honorees.

The back line should lead the way once again, with Lauren Clem, Kayla Sharples, and Hannah Davison all resuming their roles. The Wildcats' defense led the country in shutouts (17), goals-against average (.290), and save percentage (.927), while conceding just seven goals last year.

Clem was a third-team All-American, the Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year, and on the All-Great Lakes first team in 2016, while Sharples was first-team All-Great Lakes and first-team All-Big Ten. Davison was third-team All-Great Lakes. All three were recently named to the Big Ten Preseason Honors List.

Midfielder Marissa Viggiano earned nods to the All-Big Ten second-team and the All-Great Lakes third team, while defender Kassidy Gorman was named to the All-Big Ten third team. Sophomore attacker Maddy Lucas also was recognized on the Big Ten All-Freshman team.

Last season, the two sides met at Wish Field in Chicago as the 'Cats overcame an early one-goal deficit with a late rally from Brenna Lovera (78') and Kassidy Gorman (86') to win 2-1. Northwestern holds a 7-1 advantage in the all-time series against its cross-town rivals.

The Wildcats will unfurl their 2016 Big Ten championship banner during a special pregame ceremony. Fans are encouraged to arrive early.