After a soccer-filled summer highlighted by Euros and Copa América — including Texas A&M’s very own Kyle Field hosting a friendly match between Mexico and Brazil — the beautiful game is back in College Station as No. 25 A&M soccer kicks off the 2024 season.
The Maroon and White had a strong 2023 campaign, totaling a record of 10 wins, eight losses and four draws as well as finding success in both the SEC and NCAA Tournaments. They advanced to the semifinals in the conference tournament, falling to Georgia 3-2 in overtime and made it to the second round in the postseason, coming up short to the eventual National Champions, No. 1 Florida State 1-0.
In pre-season exhibition play, the Aggies went a perfect 2-0, beating out SMU and Rice both 1-0 while maintaining clean sheets in both games. A&M boasted its defensive prowess and offensive pressure, allowing just two shots on target in the two games and outshooting the Mustangs and Owls significantly.
The Aggies carried over their strong preseason showings into the first matchup of the year, facing off against the Lamar Cardinals. Just like the previous two games, the Maroon and White dominated on both sides of the ball to win 5-0.
Offensively, they had 25 total shots to the Cardinals’ six, with 11 on target. A&M’s midfielders led the way as sophomore midfielder Grace Ivey and junior M Sydney Becerra poured in two goals each, while freshman M Kat Campbell’s first shot resulted in her first collegiate career goal.
As A&M shot away, they held their own on defense, collecting three saves and keeping a clean sheet. The Aggies also showcased their control in set pieces with six corner kicks, holding the Cardinals to none.
However, this early dominance should be no surprise for the ranked Aggies. They bolstered their midfield with junior Leah Pirro, a transfer from Grand Canyon. Pirro was one of the 16 players selected to the United Soccer Coaches Midfielders to Watch in the preseason. She’s coming into Aggieland decorated with accolades including an All-WAC First Team selection and was ranked ninth in the nation with 13 assists last season.
Besides getting some help in the transfer portal, the Maroon and White retained 10 starters including All-SEC players junior defender Carolyn Calzada and senior M Mia Pante. With a firm roster in hand, A&M came into preseason ranked 25th, sharing the pedestal with Florida as one of the only two SEC schools to be ranked in the top 25 at least 20 times.
The Aggies will take on notable opponents this schedule, including Baylor and TCU in non-conference play before facing ranked conference rivals Texas, Arkansas and Mississippi State in the final stretch.