Northwestern Hosts Michigan to Open Big Ten PlayNorthwestern Hosts Michigan to Open Big Ten Play
Isaac Wasserman

Northwestern Hosts Michigan to Open Big Ten Play

EVANSTON, Ill. – Northwestern women’s soccer opens up conference play at home against Michigan on Thursday night. Kickoff from Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT on B1G+.

Last time out, Northwestern’s bid for an equalizer came up short in a 1-0 loss at No. 10 Tennessee. After an early Lady Volunteer goal from the penalty spot in the 12th minute, the Wildcats pushed hard for a tying goal, outshooting UT 12-9, but fell just short.

#0Goalkeeper

Nyamma Nelson

Sophomore goalkeeper Nyamma Nelson tallied her second shutout of the season in a draw against Loyola Chicago, the 12th of her career. Nelson’s 12 clean sheets rank fourth-most in program history as just a sophomore. In her second season in Evanston, the West Linn, Ore., native ranks sixth in the Big Ten and 31st nationally with a 0.46 goals against average.

The Wildcats have tallied four goals and five assists so far in 2026, coming from eight different players. Senior forward Sarah O'Donnell leads all 'Cats with three points (one goal, one assist). O’Donnell opened her goalscoring account against Illinois State on Aug. 27. Against Butler, she assisted on Mary Stroebel’s game-winner to seal a 1-0 victory on Aug. 30.

Northwestern posted a 4-2-5 record in Big Ten play last year, including a 3-1-2 record in home conference games. NU is unbeaten in its last four Big Ten home games (3-0-1).

This season will mark the second straight year that the Wildcats open up league play against Michigan head coach Dave DiIanni. In 2025, Northwestern played DiIanni’s No. 11-ranked Iowa side to a 1-1 draw in its Big Ten opener.

NU enters Thursday’s matchup with a 9-16-6 all-time record against Michigan. Last time the two sides squared off, the ‘Cats came away with a 3-0 victory in Ann Arbor behind goals from Emma Phillips, Alex Fallon and Kennedy Roesch. 

Michigan (2-0-3) enters Big Ten play unbeaten through five games. Junior midfielder Adi Walick leads the Wolverines with two goals and an assist on the season. Freshman goalkeeper Malia Zillman has started four games for U-M, posting an .810 save percentage to go with a 1.00 goals against average.

The Wildcats will make their first road trip of Big Ten play on Sunday when they travel north to take on No. 14 Wisconsin. Kickoff from McClimon Soccer Complex is set for 1 p.m. CT on B1G+.

Women's Soccer
Northwestern Wildcats
#14 Wisconsin
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