WKU Soccer Starts 2026 Season with Tie Against Missouri
WKU Athletics Media Release
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – WKU Soccer (0-0-1) opened the 2026 season with a 0-0 draw against Southeastern Conference foe Missouri (0-0-1) on Thursday evening at the WKU Soccer Complex.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The match was a defensive battle, with each team spending over 60 percent of their possession time in the midfield. The Tigers put six shots on goal, but Mia Riddick was there to make every save. The Hilltoppers were able to put three shots on frame, but the Missouri keeper also shut out the WKU offense. Both teams also had numerous threatening drives that died before a shot was attempted.
QUOTABLE
“I was really pleased with the way we battled tonight,” said head coach Jason Neidell. “I think we faced a team that was a little more athletic than us, but I thought we were focused. There were a lot of 50/50 challenges and it was a really physical, kind of ugly soccer game. I thought we were up for the challenge. I wish we could have been cleaner in moments in our build and in the final third of the field. I thought there were some opportunities we left on the shelf because we weren’t dealing with their pressure as well as we could have.”
NOTABLES
- Goalkeeper Mia Riddick played all 90 minutes in goal for the Hilltoppers, making six saves on the night to earn the clean sheet. It was her first career shutout.
- Abby Wiedermann also played all 90 minutes anchoring the backline that helped clinch the shutout.
- April McDonald and Maggie Bellair each got off two shots, leading the team.
- Seven Hilltoppers made their official debut with WKU (Mya Jackson, April McDonald, Raegan Thompson, Cena Carlson, Sophia Lezizidis, Rose Finnegan and Tyler Roth).
- WKU moves to 4-19-5 against SEC teams all-time.
NEXT UP
The Hilltoppers will hit the road for the first time in 2026, heading to Indiana State on Sunday, Aug. 16. First kick is set for 12:00 PM (CT).
