Creighton University Athletics
Creighton University
Kansas City
Women’s Soccer Opens Home Slate With Matches Against Kansas City and Missouri
8/26/2026 9:50:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026 • 4:30 p.m. • Omaha, Neb. • Morrison Stadium
| LIVE VIDEO | LIVE STATS | CU NOTES
Match #5: Missouri Tigers at Creighton Bluejays
Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026 • 1:00 p.m. • Omaha, Neb. • Morrison Stadium
| LIVE VIDEO | LIVE STATS | CU NOTES
Up Next
After three straight matches on the road, Creighton (0-2-1) returns to Omaha to start a busy stretch that includes six home matches over the next five weeks.
The Bluejays open the home portion of its 2026 schedule on Thursday, Aug. 27 when its hosts Kansas City (0-2-1) at 4:30 p.m.
CU will then battle Missouri (1-2-1) on Sunday, Aug. 30 at 1 p.m. inside the friendly confines of Morrison Stadium.
Follow the Match
Both matches this week will be broadcasted live on ESPN+, while live stats will be available through Statbroadcast at http://Creighton.StatBroadcast.com.
Thursday's match vs. Kansas will be called by Jon Schriner and Connor Happer, while CU's contest against Missouri will have Schriner and Gary Sharp on the call.
Links to video and live stats will be provided on the Creighton Women's Soccer schedule page.
Updates will also be provided during the match on Twitter (@CreightonWSoc).
Scouting Creighton (0-2-0)
Creighton enters Thursday's home-opener with a 0-2-1 record after having dropped road matches at Colorado College and Air Force before settling for a 0-0 draw with Iowa State last weekend.
Senior Olivia Duray and sophomore Jalen Chaney have led the way offensively with one goal apiece, while fifth-year Kailey Hall and junior transfer Morgan Paley have split time in goal for the Bluejays this season.
Following a season that saw Creighton qualify for the BIG EAST Tournament for a second straight season, the 2026 Bluejays will be put to the test as they try to replace a talented senior class that elevated the program and expectations to new heights.
Head coach Jimmy Walker will turn to his core nucleus and 17 underclassmen to continue to build upon the program's most successful back-to-back seasons in over a decade, as the Bluejays went 7-8-4 last season, finishing fourth in the BIG EAST with a 4-3-3 record.
Spearheading the Bluejays in the attacking third this fall are Chaney and junior Anna Bragg. Chaney was limited to just 13 matches in 2025 but finished her rookie campaign ranked second on the team with four goals and three assists, while Bragg netted four goals and made major strides in her development last season.
Other contributors who are back are Duray and senior Tejia Murray-Powell. Duray appeared in all 19 matches a season ago, recording three assists and a goal, while Murray-Powell logged an assist in more than 1,400 minutes of action.
Defensively, the Bluejays will turn to sophomore Olivia Sides and senior Clara Kulick to fill the void along the back line after combining for two goals and five assists in more than 2,500 minutes of action a season ago.
Three other veterans who transferred into the program in 2026 will also fight for additional playing time. Junior Macy Felton was a frequent flyer in the midfield rotation the last two seasons at South Florida, while Paley looks to showcase her skills following two years at Oklahoma. Sophomore Taylor Yablonski also transferred in and looks to make an immediate impact after one season at Nebraska.
Creighton was picked to finish fourth in the BIG EAST Preseason Coaches' poll as Jimmy Walker enters his 19th season with a 191-112-33 career record.
Scouting Kansas City (0-2-1)
Kansas City went 0-2-1 in the opening two weeks of the season, having suffered losses to Iowa State (0-4) and UC Riverside (1-3). The Roos also sandwiched a 0-0 draw in against Rockhurst last week.
Maryam El-Demerdash has scored the lone goal for the Roos this season via a penalty kick, while Anika Patton owns a 2.80 goals against average with eight saves in 225 minutes in between the posts.
Despite welcoming in 10 newcomers, the Roos return First Team All-Summit League forward Olivia Platt and All-Summit League Honorable Mention forward Ashley Koch to anchor Kansas City this season.
Kansas City was picked to finish fifth in the Summit League preseason poll after finishing last season with a 9-8-3 overall record, the first winning season since 2019, and a 3-3-2 mark in league play.
Head Coach Jess Smith is in her seventh season at the helm and owns a 31-61-21 overall record at Kansas City.
Series History Against The Roos
Creighton and Kansas City have faced off 15 times previously with the Bluejays holding a 9-3-3 edge in the all-time series.
The Jays have won the last five meetings in the series, after picking up a 2-1 victory in Kansas City last season. In the win, Brynn Gardner netted her first goal as a Bluejay before Ariana Mondiri delivered the game-winner, converting on a penalty kick in the 90th minute of play.
The Bluejays are 4-1-3 all-time against the Roos in matches played in Omaha, while Jimmy Walker is 2-0-0 against Kansas City as a head coach.
Scouting Missouri (1-2-1)
Missouri is 1-2-1 heading into Thursday night's showdown with Northern Illinois in Columbia. The Tigers opened the season with a scoreless draw at Western Kentucky and a 3-1 win at Murray State but fell to Saint Louis (1-0) and Missouri State (1-0) last week.
Brianna Buels has led the way offensively with two goals, while Emily Derucki provided the game-winner in the Tigers lone win this season.
Kate Phillips and Riley Wilkerson have split time in between the posts early on this season. Phillips owns a 0.50 goals against average with 10 saves in 180 minutes of action, while Wilkerson has collected four saves and a 1.00 goals against average in 180 minutes of playing time.
Missouri returns a bulk of their roster, including 10 starters from last year's team that finished 4-10-1 and 15th in the mighty SEC. The Tigers also welcome in nine newcomers, including five true freshmen.
Missouri was picked to finish 16th in the SEC Preseason Coaches' Poll, while head coach Stefanie Golan is in her sixth season with a 27-49-13 overall record at the helm of the Tigers.
Series History vs. Missouri
Missouri has won all three previous meetings against Creighton, having outscored the Bluejays 8-2 in the all-time series.
The first meeting between the two schools came on Aug. 25, 2000, in Columbia when then the Tigers claimed a 4-1 victory.
The last time the two teams squared off was in 2023 when Missouri captured a 3-1 win on opening weekend in Morrison Stadium.
Head coach Jimmy Walker has never faced Missouri and/or Stefanie Golan as a head coach.
Connections To Kansas City/Missouri
Creighton assistant coach Emma Wilson has some familiarity with Kansas City as she will be taking on her former team for the first time since capping off her illustrious career as a Roo in 2022.
An Omaha native, Wilson played five seasons for Kansas City from 2018-22, where she was a two-time All-Summit League selection. A mainstay along the Roos back line, Wilson finished her career with three goals and two assists while logging more than 6,100 minutes of action across 81 total contests.
Wilson was a three-time member of the Summit League Academic Honor Roll and earned her bachelor's in business administrations in 2022 before beginning her coach career as the program operations coordinator at the Kansas City Athletics Soccer Club.
Creighton Success Against The Summit
Creighton opens home portion of the season on Thursday against Summit League foe Kansas City, the first of two regular season matches against Summit League opponents this season.
Over the past 22 seasons, Creighton has battled at least one current member of the Summit League in 21 of those seasons. The only season the Bluejays did not match-up against a Summit League opponent was during the 2020 Covid-19 shorten season.
Creighton currently owns a 62-11-8 all-time record against current members of the Summit League, which included wins over Kansas City, Omaha and South Dakota last season.
Creighton vs. Summit League
Team Overall Record
Denver 4-1-0
Kansas City 9-3-3
North Dakota 5-0-0
North Dakota State 5-2-1
Omaha 10-1-0
Oral Roberts 3-1-1
St. Thomas Have not met
South Dakota 12-1-1
South Dakota State 14-2-2
Home Opener History
Creighton enters Thursday's match vs. Kansas City with a 22-10-5 mark in home openers, including a 1-1-0 record under head coach Jimmy Walker.
The Bluejays are also 13-6-4 all-time in its first home match of the season at Morrison Stadium since it opened in 2003 and have won nine of its 13 home openers since joining the BIG EAST in 2013.
Creighton Home Openers at Morrison Stadium
Date Opponent Result
9/5/03 Western Michigan T, 0-0 (2ot)
9/4/04 South Dakota State W, 2-0
8/26/05 #25 Wisconsin L, 0-2
8/30/06 South Dakota State W, 2-0
8/31/07 Northern Colorado W, 2-1
8/24/08 South Dakota State W, 3-2 (2ot)
8/21/09 Iowa State T, 0-0 (2ot)
8/20/10 South Dakota State T, 0-0 (2ot)
9/2/11 #5 Oklahoma State L, 0-1
8/19/12 Iowa State L, 0-1 (ot)
8/30/13 North Dakota W, 6-0
8/24/14 Incarnate Word W, 2-0
8/21/15 South Dakota W, 1-0
8/19/16 Iowa W, 5-3
9/3/17 South Dakota State L, 2-3 (ot)
9/7/18 South Dakota W, 2-1 (ot)
8/23/19 Kansas State W, 3-2
3/7/21 Xavier L, 0-1
8/19/21 Montana W, 2-1 (2ot)
8/25/22 Kansas City W, 2-1
8/17/23 Nebraska T, 2-2
8/29/24 Western Michigan W, 3-0
8/21/25 Iowa State L, 0-1
Home Sweet Home
Creighton begins its 24th season of playing home matches inside the friendly confines of Morrison Stadium on Thursday against Kansas City.
Since opening in 2003, Creighton owns a 122-66-31 (.628) record at Morrison Stadium, including a 60-41-16 mark at home since joining the BIG EAST in 2013 and a 22-32-6 record in home league matches.
Last season, the Bluejays finished with a 4-3-2 record at home, while hosting four of the top seven largest home crowds in program history, including a school record 3,895 fans for its crosstown battle with Omaha on Sept. 10.
Most Win in Morrison Stadium in a Season
Year Wins Overall Home Record
1. 2010 9 9-1-2
2. 2009 8 8-2-2
2008 8 8-2-1
2005 8 8-1-1
5. 2015 7 7-4-0
2007 7 7-2-1
7. 2022 6 6-1-3
2019 6 6-4-0
2016 6 6-2-2
2013 6 6-4-0
2006 6 6-5-0
Chasing 200 Home Wins
Creighton enters Thursday's home opener seeking its 200th all-time win at home against Kansas City.
The Bluejays currently own a 199-100-35 (.648) all-time record at home, including a 122-66-31 (.628) record since moving into Morrison Stadium in 2003.
Prior to the construction of Morrison Stadium in 2003, Creighton played their home matches at Tranquility Park, where the Bluejays racked up a 77-34-4 record from 1989-2002, including the programs very first home win against Tarkio (2-1) on Sept. 16, 1989.
Bluejay Milestone Home Victories
Win Opponent Date Result
1 Tarkio 9/16/89 W, 2-1
50 Missouri State 9/25/98 W, 6-0
100 Illinois State 10/7/06 W, 1-0
150 Providence 10/2/14 W, 2-1 (2OT)
200 TBD TBD TBD
Some Loyal Fans
Since Jimmy Walker took over prior to the 2024 season, Creighton has seen its attendance numbers climb to new heights.
Creighton fans showed up in a big way last season, setting a single season program record with 15,085 total spectators. The Bluejays finished the year ranked ninth nationally in average home attendance (1,676) and 15th in total home attendance (15,085).
Creighton hosted four of the top 10 largest crowds in program history, including a program record 3,985 fans for its Kicks for a Cure match against Omaha on Sept. 10 and the second largest crowd of 3,673 for its annual Socctoberfest match against No. 13 Arkansas on Sept. 5, 2025.
Creighton attracted 15,085 total fans, surpassing the previous single season record set in 2019 by nearly 6,000 fans. Last year marked the first time in program history Creighton has hosted more than 10,000 fans in a season. In addition, the 1,676 fans per home match were the most in a single year ever.
With students back on campus and Thursday being the first home match of the season, Creighton is expecting a packed house to cheer the Bluejays on to victory.
Below is a list of the largest home single season attendance marks in program history, as well as NCAA Average Attendance leaders from 2025.
Creighton's Single Season Home Attendance Totals
Rk. Year Games Total Avg.
1. 2025 9 15,085 1,676
2. 2019 10 9,308 931
3. 2024 9 9,218 1,024
4. 2006 11 7,603 691
5. 2009 12 7,371 614
6. 2004 10 7,281 728
7. 2005 10 7,195 720
8. 2023 9 6,473 719
9. 2016 10 6,399 640
10. 2007 10 6,324 632
NCAA 2026 Average Attendance Top-10
Rk. Team Games Total Avg
1. South Carolina 9 35,550 3,950
2. BYU 11 37,954 3,450
3. Tennessee 9 24,878 2,764
4. Texas A&M 10 23,031 2,303
5. Iowa 10 21,167 2,117
6. Arkansas 10 19,708 1,971
7. North Carolina 10 19,518 1,952
8. Michigan State 13 23,893 1,838
9. Creighton 9 15,085 1,676
10. Stanford 14 22,798 1,628
Packed House
With Creighton men's and women's soccer set to host its first of three doubleheaders this year of Thursday, the Bluejays are expecting a large crowd to fill the bleachers for its home opener against Kansas City.
Last season Creighton hosted four of the top seven largest single-match crowds in program history, including a school record 3,985 fans during the Kicks for a Cure match against Omaha (Sept. 10).
In addition, Creighton had saw an average of 1,676 fans attend their matches in 2025, an increase of 652 fans per match from 2024. The 652 average fan increase was the third-largest increase of any Division I school from 2024 to 2025.
In total, 10 of the top 16 largest home crowds have come since the Bluejays made the move to the BIG EAST in 2013.
Top Creighton Women's Soccer Home Crowds
1. 3,985 vs. Omaha, Sept. 10, 2025 (W, 3-2)
*2. 3,673 vs. #13 Arkansas, Sept. 5, 2025 (T, 3-3)
*3. 3,670 vs. #19 Saint Louis, Sept. 6, 2024 (T, 0-0)
4. 2,308 vs. Nebraska-Omaha, Sept. 16. 2017 (W, 3-1)
5. 2,151 vs. St. John's, Nov. 1, 2025 (W, 3-0)
6. 2,023 vs. Kansas State, Aug. 23, 2019 (W, 3-2)
7. 2,006 vs. Iowa State, Aug. 21, 2025 (L, 0-1)
8. 1,834 vs. Nebraska, Aug. 17, 2023 (T, 2-2)
9. 1,678 vs. Nebraska-Omaha, Sept. 20, 2013 (W, 3-2)
10. 1,547 vs. Iowa, Sept. 21, 2007 (L, 0-1)
*11. 1,444 vs. South Dakota, Sept. 9, 2016 (W, 2-1)
12. 1,413 vs. South Dakota State, Sept. 15, 2023 (W, 1-0)
13. 1,289 vs. Northern Iowa, Sept. 23, 2011 (W, 1-0)
14. 1,277 vs. Arizona State, Sept. 18, 2009 (L, 1-2)
15. 1,251 vs. Kansas, Sept. 29, 2006 (W, 1-0)
*16. 1,248 vs. South Dakota, Sept. 7, 2018 (W, 2-1 OT)
* - Socctoberfest Matches
Chaney Makes Mexico Women's Soccer
U20 Roster for FIFA World Cup
Sophomore Jalen Chaney was one of 21 athletes selected by Mexico Women's Soccer to be part of the Mexican Women's U20 National Team that will compete at the 2026 FIFA Women's U20 World Cup, Sept. 5-27 in Poland.
This marks the third time in her short collegiate career that Chaney has been called up to the Mexico U20 National Team, as she was also called up for training camp at the beginning of April and again in early June.
Chaney joined the Mexican U20 squad earlier this week for final training, before they head to Poland for the group stage matches against Benin (Sept. 5), host Poland (Sept. 9) and Argentina (Sept. 11). Should Mexico make it out of the group stage, Chaney will help guide her team through the Knockout stage beginning on Sept. 16 with the finals set for Sept. 27.
Chaney, a native of Flower Mound, Texas, played in 13 games as a rookie for the Bluejays in 2025. Battling injuries, she logged just 413 minutes but ranked second on the team with four goals and three assists, earning BIG EAST Freshman of the Week honors twice.
Chaney will be deeply missed as she has already contributed to the scoring this season, netting the Bluejays' lone goal against Air Force on Aug. 16.
Keeping Things Clean
Creighton's goalkeeper duo of fifth-year Kailey Hall and junior Morgan Paley combined for the Bluejays first shutout victory of the season against Iowa State last Sunday.
Paley earned her second start of the season and collected a save while playing the first half, while playing the first half. Hall then came on as a reserve and recorded a pair of save to preserve the Jays first shutout of the season.
The combined shutout against Iowa State marked the first time Creighton has posted a shutout where multiple goalkeepers played at least 45 minutes since Alicia Montgomery and Katie Jo Swanson combined for a double-overtime shutout against South Dakota State on August 20, 2010.
Hall Marks an Assists
Fifth-year Kailey Hall recorded one of the rarest stats for a goalkeeper to record as she dished out an assist in the Bluejays' season-opener against Colorado College on Aug. 12.
The Exeter, N.H. native collected the first assist of her career when she booted a free kick down field to Sarah Hyde, who headed a pass over to Olivia Duray before banking in the Bluejays first goal of the season.
Earning the first assist of her collegiate career, Hall became the first Bluejay goalkeeper to deliver an assist since Alyssa Zalac notched a helper in a win over Seton Hall on Oct. 24, 2024. Hall joins Zalac as the only two Bluejay goalkeepers to record an assist since 2010.
Bringing the Physicality
Over the course of the last few years there is one portion of the game that Creighton is not shy to bring, and that is the physicality.
Through the first three matches this season, Creighton has racked up 37 fouls and a total of seven yellow cards. The Bluejays seven yellow cards are tied for the 11th-most in the NCAA while the 12.33 fouls per game are tied 31st-most in the country this season.
During the Bluejays' scoreless draw with Iowa State on Aug. 23, Creighton was booked with five yellow cards and called for 17 fouls over the course of the match. The Bluejays five yellow cards were the most in a single match since at least 2000 and tied for the most in a single match in the NCAA this season.
In 19 matches last year, Creighton racked up 227 fouls and a total of 27 yellow cards. The Bluejays' 11.95 fouls per game were tied for the 15th-most in the country, while its 27 yellow cards were tied for the 12th-most in the NCAA last year.
CU's 27 yellow cards last fall were the second-most in a single season since at least 2000, trailing only the 29 yellow cards in 2024. By comparison, the Bluejays were booked for just six yellow cards and ranked 301st out of 335 DI teams in 2021.
CU Fouls Per Game and Yellow Cards
Year FPG Yellow Cards
2026 12.33 (T-31st) 7 (T-11th)
2025 11.95 (T-15th) 27 (T-12th)
2024 15.18 (1st) 29 (T-12th)
2023 11.28 (33rd) 12 (209th)
2022 9.85 (118th) 9 (278th)
2021 9.17 (169th) 6 (301st)
2020 10.70 (48th) 4 (215th)
2019 11.56 (39th) 17 (41st)
2018 8.94 (171st) 10 (155th)
Drawing First Blood
Scoring first in soccer has its advantages and that has proved to be the difference for the Bluejays over the last decade.
Last fall, Creighton went 5-0-1 when scoring first, but 2-8-3 when the opponent found the back of the net first, with CU's two wins coming against Omaha (Sept. 10) and DePaul (Oct. 18).
In addition, CU had tremendous success when taking a lead into the break as the Bluejays were 4-0-1 when leading at halftime, but 2-2-2 when trailing and 1-6-1 when tied at the break last season.
Since joining the BIG EAST in 2013, Creighton owns a 73-13-14 when finding the back of the net first. However, the Bluejays are 21-89-11 when the opponent scores first, including 0-2-0 this fall, and 0-0-9 in scoreless draws.
Category 2026 Walker Era
Creighton scores first 0-0-0 12-2-2
Opponent scores first 0-2-0 3-14-3
Scoreless ties 0-0-1 0-0-2
Scores 1 Goal 0-2-0 4-7-2
Scores 2 Goals 0-0-0 5-1-1
Scores 3+ Goals 0-0-0 6-0-2
Opponent Scores 1 Goal 0-0-0 6-4-2
Opponent Scores 2 Goals 0-0-0 1-7-1
Opponent Scores 3+ Goals 0-2-0 0-5-2
Leading at halftime 0-0-0 8-1-2
Trailing at halftime 0-2-0 3-7-2
Tied at halftime 0-0-1 4-9-3
Bluejay Defense is the Key
Defense has been a focal point for Creighton over the past decade, developing a pattern that has led the Jays to success over the course of the last two years under head coach Jimmy Walker.
In the first three matches this season, Creighton has allowed a total of six goals, owning a 0-2-0 record when allowing more than two goals, while battling Iowa State to a scoreless draw.
Since joining the BIG EAST in 2013, Creighton owns an impressive 81-27-27 record when holding its opponents to one goal or less, including a 14-5-4 mark under Walker.
Conversely, the Jays are 13-77-7 when allowing two or more goals, and 1-12-3 under Walker. The Bluejays lone under Walker when allowing two or more goals came last fall when the Jays rallied from a 2-0 deficit to defeat Omaha on Sept. 10.
Creighton's Record When Allowing...
Year 1 or less goals 2 or more goals
2013 7-1-1 2-7-0
2014 8-2-2 2-4-0
2015 8-1-0 2-9-0
2016 6-1-2 3-5-0
2017 4-3-2 0-8-1
2018 6-1-1 0-9-0
2019 6-4-2 2-3-1
2020 4-2-0 0-4-0
2021 7-4-2 0-6-0
2022 8-1-8 0-3-0
2023 3-2-3 1-7-2
2024 8-2-1 0-5-1
2025 6-3-2 1-5-2
2026 0-0-1 0-2-0
Totals 81-27-27 13-77-7
Scoring Two Works Almost Everytime
It would stand to reason that scoring goals increases a team's chances of winning. For the Bluejays, that is most certainly the case.
Since the program began in 1989, Creighton owns a 283-23-15 all-time record when scoring two or more goals in a match, which includes a 6-0-2 record from last season. On the flip side, the Bluejays are 47-263-54 when being held to fewer than two goals.
Additionally, the Bluejays are 76-8-6 when scoring two or more goals and 15-96-26 when netting fewer than two goals since joining the BIG EAST in 2013.
Production Returns
Creighton returns 13 of its 25 letterwinners but just four regular starters to the pitch from last season's team that finished 7-8-4 and finished fourth in the BIG EAST with a 4-3-3 league record.
All told, CU returns 33.0 percent of its starts, 34.2 percent of its minutes, 44.8 percent of its goals, 46.4 percent of its assists, 45.3 percent of its points, 29.3 percent of its shots, but return none of its saves off of last year's squad.
Below is a breakdown of the production that is back:
Stat Returners Departures
Starts 69 (33.0%) 140 (67.0%)
Minutes 6,419 (34.2%) 12,335 (65.8%)
Goals 13 (44.8%) 16 (55.2%)
Assists 13 (46.4%) 15 (53.6%)
Points 39 (45.3%) 47 (54.7%)
Shots 61 (29.3%) 147 (70.7%)
Saves 0 (0.0%) 59 (100%)
It Gets Earlier Every Year
Creighton's match against Colorado College took place on Aug. 12, marking the earlies start date for a season-opener in Creighton women's soccer history.
The previous earliest date ever came last season when the Bluejays dropped a 4-1 decision to Oklahoma on Aug. 14, 2025.
By comparison, Creighton's season-opener in 1998 didn't take place until Sept. 2.
Bluejay History in First Road Match of Season
Creighton hit the road for the first time last week when they opened the 2026 regular-season opener at Colorado College on Wednesday, Aug. 12. A few defensive miscues costed the Bluejays early as the Tigers claimed a 3-1 season-opening victory.
The Aug. 12th match against Colorado College marked the third straight season the Bluejays had opened the season on the road.
CU has not had the greatest success in its first road match of the season, falling to 14-21-2 mark all-time in road openers, including an 0-3 mark under head coach Jimmy Walker.
Of note, the Bluejays have not won its road opener since posting a 2-1 win at Kansas City in 2019 and has not won a season opener on the road since downing South Dakota State, 3-2, in 2014.
Some Fab Freshmen
Creighton freshmen Kassey Dzenis and Blu Kieper both got the starting nod in last Wednesday's season opening match at Colorado College, becoming just the 27th and 28th different true freshmen to start the season opener since joining the BIG EAST in 2013.
Since joining the league prior to the 2013 season, the only other true freshmen to start CU's season-opener have been Emily Roll (2013), Ylenia Sachau (2013), Danielle Rice (2013), McKynzie Dickman (2014), Emma Braasch (2015), Erin Scott (2015), Taryn Jakubowski (2016), Caeley Lordemann (2016), Jaylin Bosak (2016), Keelie Fothergill (2017), Ansley Atkinson (2018), Michaela Weist (2018), Aline Reinkober (2018), Skylar Heinrich (2019), Lea Høiness (2019), Daphne Nierop (2019), Anna Grassinger (2019), Abigail Santana (2020), Peighton Steffen (2020), Nicole Tiller (2020), Maddie Radke (2020), Greta Betz (2021), Shani Sirota (2023), Maia Sirota (2023), Josie Holt (2025) and Olivia Sides (2025) with Rice and Scott the only freshmen to start at goalkeeper in the season-opener.
Four of those women (Jakubowski, Atkinson, Heinrich and Radke) went on to land a spot on the BIG EAST's All-Freshman Team, with Heinrich claimed Second Team All-BIG EAST in 2019.
Season-Opener History
A slow start and a few defensive miscues hindered Creighton in the 2026 season opener, falling to Colorado College, 3-1, on Aug. 12. With the loss, Creighton fell to 17-17-4 all-time in season-opening matches.
Since joining the BIG EAST in 2013, Creighton is now 5-7-2 in season-openers, including an 0-3-0 mark under head coach Jimmy Walker.
Walker is 8-10-1 all-time in season-openers, including a 3-7-1 mark at the Division I level.
Date School Opponent Result
9/10/97 Tiffin at Ashland L, 0-4
8/29/98 Tiffin Houghton College L, 0-8
9/2/99 Tiffin Trine W, 8-0
8/30/00 Tiffin Saginaw Valley W, 2-1 (ot)
8/28/01 Tiffin at Notre Dame College W, 8-0
9/7/02 Tiffin at Milligan L, 2-4
8/29/03 Duquesne vs. Howard W, 2-1
8/27/04 Duquesne at Bowling Green L, 3-7
8/28/05 Duquesne vs. Jacksonville W, 5-2
8/25/06 Duquesne at Vermont T, 1-1
8/30/18 Findlay Urbana W, 1-0
9/8/19 Findlay Northwood W, 2-1
3/4/21 BGSU at Akron W, 3-0
8/19/21 BGSU at Notre Dame L, 1-3
8/18/22 BGSU Michigan State L, 0-2
8/20/23 BGSU at #17 Michigan State L, 1-3
8/15/24 CU at Minnesota L, 1-2
8/14/25 CU at Oklahoma L, 1-4
8/12/26 CU at Colorado College L, 1-3
Making an Opening Statement
Despite owning a 17-17-4 record in season-openers, Creighton goal discrepancy has been level at 56 goals apiece in its 38 season-opening contests.
In the Bluejays' 21 season-opening victories and ties, they have averaged an impressive 2.29 goals per game, which includes multiple goals on 14 different occasions. In addition, Creighton has posted 12 shutouts and limited its opponents to just 16 goals (0.76 goals per game) in those 21 contests.
CU, however, has only averaged 0.47 goals per match and has allowed 2.35 goals per contest during it 17 season-opening losses.
Season-Opener Goal Differential
Goals Scored Goals Allowed
Overall 56 (1.47) 56 (1.47)
Wins/Ties 48 (2.29) 16 (0.76)
Losses 8 (0.47) 40 (2.35)
Coast to Coast
Creighton travels all over the country to find players to come to Omaha, Nebraska to play collegiate soccer.
This season, head coach Jimmy Walker has put together a more robust team with players hailing from 14 different US states and one coming internationally from Canada.
Last season, CU was represented by five different countries, including 22 players from 13 different US states.
Creighton's 2026 Roster by State
California (1): Lorel Stringer
Colorado (1): Clara Kulick
Georgia (1): Kassey Dzenis
Illinois (1): Olivia Duray
Indiana (1): Grace Mann
Minnesota (1): Sarah Hyde
Nebraska (5): Adeline Bosiljevac, Anna Bragg, Blu Keiper, Kennedy Moore, Gabby Wagenfuhr
New Hampshire (1): Kailey Hall
Ohio (2): Macy Felton, Whitney Scott
Tennessee (1): Josie Holt
Texas (5): Jalen Chaney, Cassidy Horton, Morgan Paley, Allison Williams, Taylor Yablonski
Washington (1): Olivia Sides
Wisconsin (2): Aubrey Lane, Ella Luna
International (1):
Canada (1): Tejia Murray-Powell
Leading the Ship
Fifth-year Kailey Hall, seniors Clara Kulick and Tejia Murray-Powell, juniors Anna Bragg and Macy Felton, sophomore Olivia Sides and freshman Kassey Dzenis were selected to the coaches leadership group for the 2026 season.
All seven individuals are representing the team in a leadership role for the first time in their Bluejay careers.
Creighton Picked Fourth In BIG EAST Preseason Poll
Coming off its second consecutive BIG EAST Tournament appearance, the Creighton women's soccer team was picked fourth in the BIG EAST Preseason Coaches' Poll, the league announced on Monday, Aug. 3.
Creighton's preseason prognosis of fourth place is its highest preseason pick since joining the BIG EAST prior to the 2013 season. In the previous 13 seasons in the league, Creighton has improved its preseason ranking six times, been ranked correctly five times, and dropped from preseason expectations just twice.
The Bluejays earned 73 points in the preseason coaches' poll to place fourth, five points behind third place finisher Xavier. The Jays' went 7-8-4 and finished fourth in the BIG EAST last season, before bowing out of the postseason in the semifinals of the BIG EAST Tournament. The squad returns six regular starters and has 17 underclassmen to continue to build upon the programs most successful two year stretch in over a decade.
Defending BIG EAST regular-season champion Georgetown claimed the top spot with 98 points, including eighth first-place votes. UConn tallied two first-place votes and a total of 89 points to place second, while Xavier captured the remaining first-place vote and 78 points to finish third. Creighton followed closely behind with 73 points and a fourth-place finish, while Villanova (66) and Providence (60) closed out the top six. Marquette (40), Butler (39), St. John's (28), DePaul (15) and Seaton Hall (15) rounded out the bottom half of the poll in 2026.
The top four teams in the final league standings will qualify for the 2026 BIG EAST Championship Presented by JEEP. The semifinals on Nov. 11 (1 vs. 4 and 2 vs. 3) and title match on Nov. 14 will be played at the Maryland Soccer Complex in Boyds, Md.
BIG EAST Preseason Coaches' Poll
Rank Team Points(First-place votes)
1. Georgetown 98 (8)
2. Connecticut 89 (2)
3. Xavier 78 (1)
4. Creighton 73
5. Villanova 66
6. Providence 60
7. Marquette 40
8. Butler 39
9. St. John's 28
10. DePaul 19
11. Seton Hall 15
Year Preseason Pick Finish Move
2013 9th 9th - -
2014 8th 7th Up 1
2015 8th 8th - -
2016 7th 7th - -
2017 8th 8th - -
2018 7th 7th - -
2019 9th 6th Up 3
2020 5th 3th Up 2
2021 5th 9th Down 4
2022 7th T-4th Up 3
2023 5th 10th Down 5
2024 7th 4th Up 3
2025 5th 4th Up 1
2026 4th ??? ???
Season Preview
Following a season that saw Creighton qualify for the BIG EAST Tournament for a second straight season, the 2026 Bluejays will be put to the test as they try to replace a talented senior class that elevated the program and expectations to new heights.
With All-BIG EAST selections Ariana Mondiri and Tori Gillis and strong anchors Abigail Santana, Ella Offer and Alyssa Zalac having all graduated, head coach Jimmy Walker will turn to his core nucleus and 17 underclassmen to continue to build upon the program's most successful back-to-back seasons in over a decade.
Despite losing a few core pieces, the 2026 roster remains talented with six players who have contributed and played significant time over the past three years.
Sophomore Jalen Chaney's first year on the Hilltop was a huge success. The forward was limited to just 13 contests but finished her freshman campaign ranked second on the team with four goals and three assists.
Chaney will be joined on the frontline by junior Anna Bragg, who netted four goals and made major strides this past spring to make a more pronouned impact this season.
Other threats to look out for in the midfield are seniors Olivia Duray and Tejia Murray-Powell. Duray appeared in all 19 matches, recording three assists and a goal in her first season after transferring in from Pitt, while Murray-Powell logged an assist and more than 1,400 minutes of action last fall.
Defensively, the Bluejays will turn to sophomore Olivia Sides and senior Clara Kulick to fill the void in the backline following the departures of Zalac, Offer and Solomon.
Sides and Kulick will have a more significant leadership role in 2026 after combining for two goals and five assists in more than 2,500 minutes of action a year ago. Sides started all 19 games, passing out a team-high four assists with one goal in 1,600 minutes of action, while Kulick collected a goal and an assist in 915 minutes of playing time last fall.
Three other veterans who transferred into the program in 2026 will also fight for addition playing time this season. Junior Macy Felton was a frequent flyer in the midfield rotation the last two seasons at South Florida, while junior goalkeeper Morgan Paley will look to showcase her skills following two years at Oklahoma. Sophomore Taylor Yablonski also transferred in and looks to make an immediate impact after one season at Nebraska.
Supplementing the veteran cast is nine talented true freshmen from all across the country.
Indiana product Grace Mann graduated from Norwell High School as the Northeast Indiana and program's all-time goal leader and looks to make a similar impact in her first season in Omaha.
Joining Mann in the fight for time in the midfield is Radleigh Childers, a Missouri native who scored more than 130 goals and was a four-time first team all-conference selection.
Elkhorn native Blu Keiper was a late addition to the Bluejay roster but aims to be a key contributor in the attacking third after netting 42 goals and dishing out 32 assists in her prep career at Elkhorn South.
In addition, Cassidy Horton (Dallas, Texas), Lorel Stringer (Irvine, Calif.) and Kassey Dzenis (Peachtree, Ga.) were all four-time all-conference honorees and will be itching for a chance to make a difference for the Bluejays this fall.
