LAKELAND, Fla. -- Ranked No. 24 in the nation, the SEU Women's Soccer team faces a challenging two-match slate this week that could play a major role in shaping the Sun Conference standings. The Fire open the stretch on Wednesday night with a road test against No. 11 SCAD-Savannah in Hardeeville, South Carolina, as two nationally ranked programs meet in a pivotal midseason matchup.
Following the trip north, Southeastern returns home to Lakeland on Saturday morning for an 11 a.m. kickoff against Webber International at the SEU Soccer Field. With the regular season entering its final month, the Fire look to carry their national ranking and recent form into a critical week of conference play.
Fans can follow the action all week long through Urban Edge Network and live stats. Coverage is available through the Urban Edge Network app, compatible with Smart TVs and mobile devices, or online at
fire.seu.edu/watchUEN. Live statistical updates can be found at
fire.seu.edu/sidearmstats/wsoc/summary. Tickets for Saturday's home match are available at
fire.seu.edu/tickets.
Fire by the Numbers
The No. 24 Fire enter the week with a 6-2-2 overall record and a 1-1 mark in Sun Conference play, holding a .700 winning percentage on the season. Southeastern has been especially effective away from home, posting a 4-1-2 road record while going 2-1 at the SEU Soccer Field. The Fire will look to bounce back from a narrow defeat last time out as they aim to regain momentum entering the second half of conference play.
Offensively, SEU ranks among the top programs in the Sun Conference, averaging 2.30 goals per match (3rd) and 1.50 assists per match (2nd) while generating 18.2 shots (2nd) and 9.8 shots on goal (3rd) per outing. Defensively, the Fire maintain a 0.90 goals-against average (4th) with a .743 save percentage (6th), showing strong balance on both sides of the pitch.
The Spark of Sara
Sara Irurozki has been the steady ignition point for Southeastern's offense, leading the team with six goals and 14 total points. Her timing, touch, and finishing instinct have powered the Fire's attack all season, and her two game-winners highlight how often she rises to the moment when SEU needs a goal most.
Lozano in Lightning Mode
Ariadna Lozano plays with energy that can change a match in seconds. With five goals and one assist, and a team-high 31 shots, Lozano's pace and persistence have kept opposing defenses on alert all season. Her quick strikes and ability to create chances out of chaos give SEU an undeniable jolt.
Olivia on Target
With four goals and one assist,
Olivia Hadad continues to deliver when it matters most. Her ability to slip into dangerous spaces and capitalize on her opportunities has made her one of the Fire's most reliable scoring threats. Hadad's balance of poise and precision has been key to SEU's attacking rhythm.
Banking on Grace
A commanding presence in the midfield,
Grace Banker has combined leadership and production in equal measure. She's tallied four goals, including two game-winners, while maintaining a .563 shots-on-goal percentage. Banker's vision and composure keep SEU's midfield organized and its attack flowing.
Madelyn in Motion
Madelyn Davidson has become a catalyst for the Fire's fluid, possession-based style. With two goals and two assists, Davidson links the lines with clean distribution and sharp decision-making. Her tactical understanding and technical control make her one of the Fire's most valuable midfield connectors.
LaFace of Leadership
Rebecca LaFace brings steady control and strength to SEU's midfield unit. With two goals and two assists, including a converted penalty, LaFace has provided crucial moments of production while anchoring the center of the pitch. Her consistency and grit have made her a trusted leader on both sides of the ball.
Diaz and Denied
Goalkeeper
Sofia Diaz continues to shine as the last line of defense for the Fire. With a 0.90 goals-against average, .750 save percentage, and three shutouts, Diaz has been a calming force in goal. Her vocal command and fearless play have helped SEU maintain one of the top defensive marks in the conference.
Program History Snapshot
Now in its 17th season, Southeastern women's soccer has established a proud winning tradition with an all-time record of 280-134-21 (.668). The Fire have been dominant at home (132-50-11, .712) and consistently strong in conference play (100-48-7, .668).
Historically, SEU has excelled in October (109-58-9, .645), including a .701 home winning percentage, and has found success on both Wednesdays (.742) and Saturdays (.700)—the same days they'll compete this week. Southeastern is also a tough road team in South Carolina (37-10-2, .776), though still seeking its first win in Hardeeville (0-1-0), home of SCAD-Savannah.
Scouting the Opponent: No. 11 SCAD-Savannah
The No. 11 SCAD-Savannah Bees enter the week at 6-4-1 overall and 2-0 in Sun Conference play, having outscored opponents 22-9 on the year. Led by Mia Gomez (7 goals, 15 points) and Ida Akesson (5 goals, 37 shots), SCAD brings one of the league's most efficient scoring duos into the matchup. Goalkeeper Saga Bryntesson has recorded six shutouts and owns a 0.87 goals-against average, helping SCAD rank among the NAIA's top defensive units.
This will be the 20th all-time meeting between the Fire and Bees, with SCAD holding a narrow 9-8-2 series edge. SCAD has claimed the last two matchups, including a 3-1 win in Lakeland last season, extending its unbeaten streak to four straight (0-3-1). SEU won six straight between 2018–2022, and the overall series remains razor-close with SEU outscoring SCAD 39–38 across all meetings.
Scouting the Opponent: Webber International
The Webber International Warriors enter at 4-4-1 overall (0-2 Sun) after a strong non-conference start highlighted by a pair of shutout wins and a dominant 8-0 victory over Abraham Baldwin. Offensively, Webber averages 2.11 goals per match, led by Melissa del Valle (4 goals, 9 points), Rikke Olufsen, and Samantha Chitu with three goals apiece. Goalkeepers Francesca Magnotti and Karen Torfadottir have combined for four shutouts while holding opponents to 1.56 goals per game.
Southeastern holds a 12-9-3 all-time advantage in the series and is unbeaten in the last 11 meetings (11-0-2). The Fire earned a 4-2 road win earlier this season in Babson Park and are 5-4-1 at home against the Warriors. Historically, the series has been evenly matched in total scoring (54–54), but SEU has firmly controlled recent results.
Sun Conference Standings: Race for the Top Six
The chase for postseason positioning is heating up as teams fight for one of six spots in the Sun Conference Tournament. Keiser and No. 11 SCAD-Savannah lead the table at 2-0 (6 points), followed closely by New College of Florida (2-1, 6 points). St. Thomas (1-1-1, 4 points), Southeastern (1-1, 3 points), and Florida Memorial (1-1, 3 points) are locked in a close mid-table race, separated by a single win.
With just a few matches separating the pack, the Fire's upcoming slate carries major postseason implications. Ave Maria (0-1-1, 1 point), Webber International (0-2), and Warner (0-2) round out the standings, but each remains within reach of the final playoff position as the regular season enters its final stretch.
Looking Ahead
The Fire continue Sun Conference play next week with two more pivotal matches. Southeastern travels to West Palm Beach on Wednesday, October 15, for an 11 a.m. showdown at Keiser University, the defending league champion and current conference leader. SEU then returns home on Saturday, October 18, to face New College of Florida at 7 p.m. under the lights at the SEU Soccer Field. The Fire will look to protect home turf and make another push up the Sun Conference standings as postseason play draws near.
