LAKELAND, Fla. -- It's a marquee week ahead for Southeastern women's soccer as the Fire (5-0-1) face two major tests. On Wednesday night, SEU welcomes #1 Keiser University to the SEU Soccer Field in a non-conference showdown under the lights in Lakeland. Just three days later, the Fire hit the road on Saturday evening for a trip to Boca Raton to take on Lynn University, a Sunshine State Conference foe known for playing tough at home. With both matchups offering a chance to measure up against top regional talent, SEU enters riding a three-game win streak and its best start since 2020.
Fans can follow both contests from anywhere. Wednesday's clash with Keiser will be available on the Urban Edge Network app and streamed live at
fire.seu.edu/watchUEN, with live stats at
fire.seu.edu/sidearmstats/wsoc/summary. Saturday's trip to Lynn can be seen on the SSC Digital Network at
sunshinestateconference.tv and tracked live via
StatBroadcast.
Clash of the Titans
SEU and Keiser enter Wednesday's meeting with some of the nation's most balanced stat lines. The Fire average 2.83 goals per game on over 20 shots per outing while limiting opponents to 0.50 goals against average. Keiser, meanwhile, has scored 3.38 goals per game with an eye-popping 4.00 assists per contest, all while keeping opponents off the board with a 0.25 GAA. Both squads ride three-game win streaks into the non-conference tilt, setting up a showcase of speed, skill, and defensive discipline.
Knights Under the Lights
Saturday brings a different kind of test as SEU travels to Lynn. The Fighting Knights have battled to a 1-2-3 overall record, but their numbers show resilience — scoring 0.83 goals per game while relying on a defense that saves nearly 88 percent of shots faced. Lynn has already played to three draws this season, including a 0-0 conference result, and will look to frustrate SEU's attack in Boca Raton. The Fire's unbeaten start, including a 4-0-1 mark away from home, will be put to the test against a Lynn side that is hard to beat in front of its home fans.
Series Storylines
Against Keiser, Southeastern has played one of its longest-running series, dating back to 2009. The Fire trail the all-time series 3-19-4, including a 2-5-3 mark at home and just 1-13-1 on the road. Keiser has had the upper hand of late, with SEU dropping the last four meetings, including a pair of defeats in 2024. Still, the Fire have shown the ability to challenge the Seahawks, earning wins in 2020 and 2023, and will look to snap the skid in front of a home crowd.
Saturday's matchup with Lynn marks the first-ever meeting between the two programs, adding a new chapter to the Fire's non-conference slate and providing a fresh opportunity to test themselves against Sunshine State Conference opposition.
Rays of the Sun
The Fire find themselves right in the thick of the Sun Conference statistical race. As a team, Southeastern ranks second in goals per game (2.83) and points per game (7.33), while leading the league in shots per game (20.33). Defensively, SEU is third in goals against average (0.50) and ranks among the top three in save percentage (.857).
Individually,
Sara Irurozki is tied for the Sun lead with six goals, while also ranking third in points (13).
Sofia Diaz sits third among conference goalkeepers in goals against average (0.57), continuing to shine as the anchor of SEU's unbeaten start.
Fire Facts & Tidbits
Southeastern has been a force in the Sunshine State, posting an all-time mark of 209-103-17 (.661) in Florida contests, including a dominant 132-48-11 (.720) record at home in Lakeland. The Fire will be looking to add to that legacy Wednesday night on their home pitch.
The calendar has traditionally been friendly to SEU as well. In the month of September, the Fire are 105-42-4 (.709) all-time, with their best success coming on the road at 62-18-1 (.772). Specific dates have also lined up well historically — SEU is 3-1 (.750) on September 24 and 4-1 (.800) on September 27, both dates in play this week.
Day of the week trends also favor the Fire: SEU owns a sterling 42-13-3 (.750) record on Wednesdays and a strong 111-44-8 (.706) mark on Saturdays, which lines up with both of this week's matchups. By sequence, Wednesday's Keiser game will be Game 7, where the Fire have gone 13-8-1 (.614) historically, followed by Saturday's Lynn contest, Game 8, where SEU has posted a 12-10-0 (.545) all-time record.
Irurozki Ignites
Sara Irurozki has been the driving force of Southeastern's attack, tied for the Sun Conference lead with six goals in just six matches. She's added an assist for a team-high 13 points, and her scoring touch has already delivered two game-winning goals. With a .375 shot percentage and nearly 56% of her attempts on frame, Irurozki has been clinical in front of goal and the Fire's most consistent threat.
Lozano Lights the Fuse
Ariadna Lozano has provided steady firepower with three goals on the season, ranking second on the team in shot attempts with 21. Her ability to generate chances has stretched defenses, while her .524 shots-on-goal percentage underscores her ability to test keepers. Lozano's activity in the attacking third has given SEU a dangerous complement to Irurozki.
Banker Deposits
Grace Banker has proven to be a clutch finisher, also tied for second on the team with three goals. Two of her strikes have stood as game-winners, underscoring her value in tight moments. Banker boasts a .375 shooting percentage and .625 accuracy rate, making the most of her opportunities to give SEU timely breakthroughs.
Laface in the Right Place
Rebecca Laface has been the Fire's most versatile producer, tallying two goals and two assists to sit tied for second on the team in points (6). She's attempted 17 shots with over half on target, including a successful penalty kick. Laface's ability to set up teammates while still finding the net herself makes her a two-way playmaker in the midfield.
Hadad Heats Up
Olivia Hadad has chipped in with two goals and an assist, giving SEU yet another dangerous option up front. Her efficiency has been steady, converting two of her 16 shots while placing nine on frame. Hadad has also delivered one game-winner, showing her knack for rising to the occasion when the Fire need it most.
Diaz Denies
Between the posts,
Sofia Diaz has been a wall for the Fire. Through five appearances, she's posted a 0.57 goals against average and an .867 save percentage, allowing only two goals across 317 minutes. Diaz has already recorded two solo shutouts and played a role in another, giving SEU the stability it needs to build from the back. Her early form ranks among the best in the Sun Conference.
Looking Ahead
Following this week's marquee matchups, Southeastern returns home on Wednesday, October 1 for a Sun Conference clash with Ave Maria University at the SEU Soccer Field. The Fire then hit the road again on Saturday, October 4, traveling south to face Florida Memorial University under the lights in Miami Gardens. Both contests mark the opening stretch of conference play, giving SEU a chance to build momentum in the Sun standings.
Your team. Your news. Your Fire.
Get the inside scoop on SEU Athletics with game previews, recaps, highlights, and more — all delivered right to your inbox. Stay connected and never miss a moment!
Join the Newsletter
