Northwestern men’s and women’s soccer announce 2021 schedules

After the Big Ten delayed the start of both men’s and women’s soccer until the winter season, the ‘Cats look to begin their seasons in February. The men’s team looks to begin head coach Tim Lenahan’s 20th and final season hot against the Michigan Wolverines on February 19 at home, as the longtime coach announced his retirement back in November. Women’s soccer is coming off a 5-10-3 (3-6-2 B1G) season and hopes to start its season off strong against Indiana at home on February 20.

After an appearance in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten tournament and a promising 8-8-2 (3-3-2 B1G) season, the men’s team graduated seven seniors, most notably Mattias Tomasino, who started in all 14 games and Matt Moderwell, who was named to the Second Team All-Big Ten and Big Ten All-Tournament Team. They also added three graduate students, including Wilmette, Illinois native Spencer Farina.

Women’s soccer, on the other hand, lost only two in graduate students Olivia Korhonen and Taylor Hallmon while adding eight 8 first-years. The team starts the season off at home for a three-game, eight-day stretch before traveling to Minneapolis to square off with the Golden Gophers on March 4 and a weekend trip around Iowa and Purdue.

Given COVID-19 restrictions around the country, both teams will participate in a conference-only schedule to minimize travel. Additionally, the first games are slated to be played in the Ryan Fieldhouse due to weather concerns.