Illinois soccer ended the 2024 season just outside the top 10 in the Big Ten standings, which secures a spot in the Big Ten Tournament.
Now that the 2025 schedule has been released, a fresh start awaits the Illini.
After two exhibition matches against Marquette and Indiana University-Indianapolis, the Illini kick off their 2025 season on the road against the University of Illinois-Chicago, the start of a five-game road trip before their first home match of the season against Valparaiso.
The first three opponents for the Illini ended the 2024 season either even or under .500. This is a great opportunity for Illinois soccer to start on a positive note. That said, the Illini will have to do better than their 2-2-1 road record last season to challenge for a top 10 spot in the Big Ten.
After the home match against Valparaiso, the Orange and Blue will jump into their Big Ten schedule against Indiana, Oregon, and Washington.
Indiana and Oregon only secured one win the previous season, while Washington finished the season in the top half of the Big Ten table and made it to the semi-finals of the Big Ten Tournament.
With a new coaching staff, experienced transfers, and seasoned returning players, the Illini have a chance to hit the reset button and pick up some quality wins before tackling the meat of their Big Ten schedule.
A new era of Illinois soccer.
— Illinois Soccer (@IlliniSoccer) December 10, 2024
Welcome @KatieHultin!#Illini | #HTTO | #UP ⬆️ pic.twitter.com/dWITcy3s1E
The Illini have missed the Big Ten Tournament the last few seasons. Let's see if new head coach Katie Hultin, who comes to Champaign after a successful stint leading Division II Grand Valley State University, can take her squad to the next level in her first season. The first preseason match of the 2025 campaign kicks off on Thursday, August 7th, against Marquette.