Nebraska Kicks Off 2025 Soccer Campaign with Statement Win Against Southern Indiana

Carpenter wasn’t done there. She went on to score again in the second half. And that score doubled her career total in one game and earned her the honor of game-winner. For a player whose energy often drives Nebraska’s attack, this was a breakout moment that might signal an even bigger season ahead.

Carpenter wasn’t the only one shining early. Sophomore Ella Rudney added the Huskers’ second goal at the 23:46 mark. While Nebraska’s offense kept pressing, the defense clamped down just as hard. The Screaming Eagles were limited to a single shot on goal in the first half. The Huskers stormed into the locker room with an 11–1 shot advantage and seven corner kicks.

A Second-Half Scoring Spree

If the first half was a steady build-up, the second was a full-on explosion. Senior leader Sadie Waite delivered her eighth career goal, and then underclassmen grabbed the chance to shine.

Ellie Felt and Ava Makovicka each scored the first goals of their collegiate careers, sparking celebrations that carried a glimpse of the Huskers’ future. Fueling many of these chances was midfielder Sadie Sant, who quietly put together a brilliant performance with three assists.

Goalkeeper Maddy Osborn started the night, calmly handling the lone first-half shot she faced. In the second half, Cece Villa stepped in and stood tall. She made three saves to preserve the shutout. Together, the two keepers made sure Nebraska left the field with a clean sheet.

A Statement to Start The Season

By the final whistle, the numbers told the story. Nebraska outshot Southern Indiana 24-6, dominated shots on goal 11-4, and owned corner kicks 8-2. Just as important, the Huskers tallied nine assists to the Eagles’ zero.

The Huskers now sit at 1-0-0 as they prepare for their next test. The journey continues Sunday as Nebraska hosts Missouri State.

The match will stream live on B1G+, and fans eager to catch the action in person can secure their seats at huskers.com/tickets. If opening night was any indication, the Big Red are ready to light up the pitch all season long.