LAKELAND, Fla. -- SEU women's soccer team launched the 2025 season in emphatic fashion Saturday night, posting a 7-0 shutout over Thomas University at the SEU Soccer Field.
The Fire struck early and often, piling up four first-half goals.
Sara Irurozki opened the scoring in the 17th minute off a feed from
Abby Ripple, before
Rebecca Laface buried a penalty kick six minutes later.
Ariadna Lozano then made it 3-0 in the 33rd minute, assisted by Irurozki, who added her second tally of the night just five minutes later with help from
Danielle Vogel.
SEU kept the pressure on after the break.
Madelyn Davidson scored two minutes into the second half, Lozano followed with her second in the 51st minute from Laface, and
Grace Banker capped the night with her first of the year in the 68th minute — also assisted by Laface.
Irurozki finished with five points (2 goals, 1 assist). Lozano also recorded a brace, marking the first time since Oct. 14, 2023 vs. Warner that multiple SEU players scored multiple goals in the same match. Laface contributed a goal and two assists, while Davidson and Banker each added their first strikes of the season.
Defensively, the Fire were just as strong. Goalkeepers
Sofia Diaz and
Madison Songer combined for the clean sheet, making one save apiece. The win was SEU's first shutout in a season opener since 2022 at Olivet Nazarene.
The Fire's seven goals were their most in a season opener since Aug. 27, 2016 vs. Ave Maria, and their highest total in any match since scoring nine against Warner in 2023.
Southeastern outshot Thomas 24-5 and held a 5-0 advantage in corner kicks, showcasing complete control in all phases.
The victory improves SEU to 1-0-0 on the year, continuing the program's tradition of strong starts to the season.
The Fire return to action on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m., when they travel to Webber International in Babson Park.
