LINCOLN, Neb. – University of Southern Indiana Women’s Soccer opened its 2025 season on the road Thursday evening, falling 6-0 against the University of Nebraska in USI’s first-ever regular-season matchup against a major conference opponent.
Southern Indiana posted six shots with four on goal in the season-opening contest. The majority of attacking chances came in the second half for the Screaming Eagles, who placed three shots on target in the second 45 minutes.
Redshirt junior midfielder Emma Thurston, junior defender Kamryn Bea, junior forward Grace Bamber, and freshman attacker Anna Depenbrock each notched a shot on goal for USI. Redshirt junior goalkeeper Anna Markland made four saves.
The Cornhuskers recorded their six tallies on 24 shot attempts and 11 on frame.
Nebraska struck early with a goal in the first 90 seconds. Despite the early brace from the Cornhuskers, USI settled in to continue to battle against Nebraska’s pressure. However, Nebraska slipped through a second time to double its lead near the midway point of the opening half. Depenbrock’s shot on goal came in the latter minutes of the first half for USI but was saved by Nebraska, keeping the score 2-0 going into halftime.
Out of the halftime break, Nebraska struck quickly again and scored a pair within the first five minutes of the second half. The Cornhuskers added their final two goals in the last 20 minutes.
For Southern Indiana, the Eagles generated some good buildup and decent looks late in the second half. Senior forward Emerson Grafton utilized her speed from out wide to push USI’s offense forward into the attacking third on a couple of occasions, including one shot that was blocked in the final handful of minutes. USI had two of its shots on goal saved in the last 10 minutes.
The Screaming Eagles will make their 2025 regular-season home debut on Sunday when USI hosts Cleveland State University at 1 p.m. from Strassweg Field. Sunday’s contest can be seen with a subscription to ESPN+. Admission to Sunday’s home match is free courtesy of ProRehab.
