Skip To Main Content

University of Sioux Falls Athletics

Scoreboard

Scoreboard

Addison Van Zee strikes the ball
Jurgens Photography

Cougars Set for Home Opener Against Mount Marty

9/3/2025 1:43:00 PM

By: Clint Neumann

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The Sioux Falls soccer team will officially open the 2025 regular season on Friday afternoon when they host Mount Marty at Bob Young Field. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. in Sioux Falls, marking both the first regular season match under head coach Joe DeMay and the Cougars' home opener. 

"It's exciting to get the regular season underway this Friday and kicking it off at The Bob makes it even better," said DeMay. "We will have to temper that enthusiasm with a bit of composure. That adrenaline rush can be useful, but it can also lead to being nervous or frantic. The team has put in so much work to set themselves up for success this season, so we need to focus on channeling that energy to allow ourselves to fully express our playing identity." 

Scouting the Cougars 

USF showed promise in its preseason exhibition at Dordt, generating 13 shots and seven on goal. Freshman Chloe Wilson found the net for her first collegiate goal, while the Cougars controlled stretches of play before Dordt capitalized late. 

Key returners for USF include: 

  • Junior midfielder Mariah Siem, one of the team's 2025 NSIC Players to Watch, who logged over 1,000 minutes last fall and will be central to the Cougars' new attacking system. 

  • Senior defender Alivia Tindall, the team's other preseason watch honoree, who anchors the back line after starting all 18 matches in 2024. 

  • Junior defender Mara Nelson and sophomore midfielder Lily Dahler, the team's leading returning point scorers with four apiece last season. 

Scouting Mount Marty 

Mount Marty arrives in Sioux Falls with a 2-1 record, including a 2-1 home win over York University (NE) and a 6-0 road victory at Dakota State. The Lancers were picked 11th in the GPAC Preseason Coaches' Poll but have opened the season with encouraging results. 

  • Junior forward Rhyli Grim has been a breakout performer, scoring three goals with three assists in her first three matches. 

  • Junior centerback Alyssa Rios adds two goals on three shots, while midfielders Mika Moriera and Alexia Valdez have also found the net. 

  • Senior goalkeeper Brooklyn McNac has started all three matches, posting a 1.33 goals-against average with 19 saves and one shutout. 

The Lancers are coming off a 2024 season in which they went 4-12-1 overall and 1-10 in the GPAC, conceding more than 2.5 goals per match. Their early-season form suggests a more competitive side in 2025. 

How to Watch/Follow 

For all things USF Soccer, be sure to download the USF Cougars app as well as follow along on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!   

Print Friendly Version