Aquinas College women's soccer team kicked off their 2026 season with a narrow 1-0 loss against 21st-ranked Spring Arbor University. The match marked the debut of new head coach Mario Zuniga-Gil. Spring Arbor secured the victory with a goal from Maddie Muilenburg just 10 minutes into the game. Despite the early setback, goalkeeper Claire Fogarty excelled in her debut, making 13 saves to keep the match competitive. Aquinas struggled offensively, managing only one shot on goal throughout the match.

By the Numbers
  • Claire Fogarty recorded 13 saves on 14 shots faced.
  • Aquinas totaled just 2 shots, with one on target.
Yes, But

Despite the loss, head coach Mario Zuniga-Gil praised the team's effort, especially in the second half, emphasizing that facing a strong opponent early in the season can set the tone for future success.

State of Play
  • Aquinas showed resilience in defense, holding Spring Arbor to a single goal for 80 minutes.
  • The Saints' offensive struggles were evident, having difficulty penetrating the Cougars' defense.
What's Next

The Saints aim to rebound in their upcoming match against Saint Xavier on Wednesday at 5 p.m. Their performance in this game will be crucial for building momentum moving forward in the season.

Bottom Line

Aquinas demonstrated commendable resilience against a top opponent, setting a positive foundation for the season despite the loss. With continued teamwork and effort, they have potential for improvement in future matches.