As the University of Utah women's soccer team wraps up its nonconference schedule with a 5-3-1 record, they're buckling down for the meat of their season, the Big 12 play, which kicks off against the formidable No. 14 TCU Horned Frogs at their stomping grounds on Friday at 6 p.m. With the Utes scoring a respectable 155 shots through nine games, ranking second in the conference, they're not exactly coming into this game whistling Dixie. That stat puts them comfortably in the top 50 nationwide, a promising prelude to their upcoming challenge, according to utahutes.com.
TCU's not to be underestimated, with a track record that includes a 9-0-2 league record in 2024, and they're laser-focused on reclaiming their Big 12 regular-season title based on their current form. Their senior ace, Seven Castain, who incidentally hails from Draper, Utah, is leading the charge for the Horned Frogs, topping the conference in shots, shots on goals, and not trailing far behind in goals and points. "The catalyst to TCU's attack so far in 2025 has been senior Seven Castain," utahutes.com notes, highlighting her impressive tally that includes five goals and two assists, with two goals just in their most recent victory against Gonzaga on Sept. 12.
The face-off in Fort Worth this Friday isn't just any match; it's the 10th meeting between the Utes and the Horned Frogs and their first since parting ways with the Mountain West Conference. Historical stats show that Utah has clinched wins in the last four meetings, owning a 6-3 record over TCU. The Utes' last victory in conference play back in 2010 ended with their hands raised in Fort Worth, as per the history books.
Leaning on their seasoned heavyweights, the Utes enlist seven seniors, including Erin Gibbs and Brooklyn Blaylock, Alex Schoenstadt, among others, and three grad students who have appeared in a whopping 158 matches. This firepower is led by captains Devi Dudley, Grace Watkins, and Ava Hetzel, combining an experience of 204 collegiate games. Their class and experience could be the edge the Utes need to blaze through the Big 12, contributing to the team's foundational strength. "Blaylock, Bullock and Cull are all entering their fourth season at Utah and have appeared in 158 total matches during their collegiate careers," as detailed by utahutes.com.
