LAKELAND, Fla. -- SEU Women's Soccer kicks off its 2025 campaign with two early-season matchups that mark the beginning of a new era under head coach
Skelly Kellar. The Fire open at home on Saturday, hosting Thomas at 7 p.m. under the lights at the SEU Soccer Field. Four days later, they travel to Babson Park, Fla., for a Wednesday showdown against Webber International at 3:30 p.m.
Both matches will be streamed live on the Urban Edge Network and The Sun Digital Network, with real-time stats available to keep fans connected from anywhere. Tickets for Saturday's home opener are available now at
fire.seu.edu/tickets.
The Fire will be looking to reverse a curious trend in season openers. Since winning five straight from 2014 to 2018, SEU has alternated wins and losses to start each season. They haven't won a season opener in an odd-numbered year since a dominant 5–0 victory over Point in 2017. With a new coaching staff and a retooled roster, 2025 offers a chance to break the pattern and set a new tone.
Picked third in the Sun Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll, SEU enters the fall with a balanced blend of experience and fresh talent. That includes 16 returners who saw game action last season who anchor the roster, bringing leadership, continuity, and competitive edge. They're joined by 20 newcomers—an infusion of energy and depth that has already begun to reshape the team's identity in preseason training.
Madelyn Davidson returns as SEU's top scoring threat after leading the team with nine goals and 21 points in 2024. Her ability to create chances and finish under pressure—highlighted by two game-winners and a .558 shot-on-goal percentage—makes her a focal point in the Fire's attack.
Ariadna Lozano and
Rebecca Laface bring creativity and control. Lozano tallied three goals and two assists while generating 32 shots, often serving as a spark in transition. Laface added two goals and three assists across 1,289 minutes, showing poise and consistency in central roles.
Olivia Thomassy returns after starting all 16 matches and scoring two goals while logging a team-high 1,433 minutes. Her reliability and leadership will be crucial as the Fire integrate new personnel.
SEU's goalkeeping unit returns three experienced options.
Ella Sebree led the group with 10 starts, posting a .758 save percentage and recording 50 saves with one shutout. Her steady presence earned four wins and helped anchor the defense.
Madison Songer added five starts and 32 saves.
Sofia Diaz, who made one start, recorded four saves in a full 90-minute outing. With depth and competition in goal, SEU enters 2025 with confidence between the posts.
SEU holds an 8–5–0 record all-time against Thomas, including a 3–2–0 mark at home. After dropping the first five meetings in the series, the Fire have won eight straight dating back to 2016. The recent stretch has been dominant, with SEU outscoring the Night Hawks 35–7 and recording five shutouts. Last year's season opener—a 4–3 road win—was a back-and-forth battle that showcased SEU's resilience and attacking depth.
Against Webber International, SEU leads the series 11–9–3, with a 6–5–2 record on the road. The Fire are unbeaten in their last 13 meetings with the Warriors, including a 2–1 home win and a 1–1 draw in Babson Park last season. Since 2013, SEU has posted 10 wins and three draws, outscoring Webber 45–4 during that span.
