Another women’s soccer big-game preview is up again — this time for the NCAA Tournament. Are you not entertained?
Since 2022, when Northwestern made a dynamic run to the Sweet 16, the ‘Cats are back in the Big Dance despite falling 1-0 to Michigan State in the Big Ten Tournament second round. It will be the program’s eighth NCAA appearance overall and head coach Michael Moynihan’s sixth with the team. As the NCAA Selection Show unveiled on Monday, Northwestern, ranked 32nd in the RPI, will face No.
8 Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Friday at 6 p.m. CT.
Let’s break down both teams and evaluate the possibility of the ‘Cats making another Cinderella run.
First-round Opponent: Alabama
The Crimson Tide finished 11-8-1 overall and 4-6-0 in the Southeastern Conference — a league featuring Vanderbilt (No. 1), Tennessee (No. 3) and LSU (No. 4), all top-five seeds in the NCAA tournament this year.
While its conference record isn’t overwhelming, Alabama has proven capable of competing with elite competition. The Crimson Tide battled Duke to a 1-1 draw and upset LSU 2-1, demonstrating its quality against ranked opponents. After missing the NCAA postseason last year, they’ve rallied back in 2024 with renewed confidence.
One stat stands out: Alabama accumulated 24 yellow cards this season, ranking 19th nationally according to NCAA data. This indicates its intensity and physicality, whether applying defensive pressure or physical play in attack. Northwestern must be prepared for that style.
The Crimson Tide is also dangerous offensively, averaging 2.0 goals per game (42nd nationally), which is a stark contrast to Northwestern’s 1.20 goals per game. Gianna Paul and Larkin Thomason lead the attack, combining for 18 goals and 11 assists this season. Also, four Alabama players have recorded double-digit points this season.
What Northwestern brings
Though entering as an at-large bid, Northwestern still has the tools to advance past the first round.
While the ‘Cats can’t match Alabama’s offensive numbers statistically, they should take pride in their defense. Northwestern allowed just 15 goals this season compared to Alabama’s 30. Led by starting keeper Nyamma Nelson, the ‘Cats also boast a 30th-ranked goals-against average of 0.75 and maintained a 50% shutout rate. Their goalkeeping has been superior as well, posting an 81.9% save percentage compared to Alabama’s 67.7%.
That doesn’t mean Northwestern lacks offensive threats. Megan Norkett has been a revelation, tallying two goals and three assists this season, including the lone winner in the Big Ten Tournament first round against USC. That heroic performance did not just earn her an All-Tournament Team accolade but showcased her unwavering importance to the team.
And don’t forget Kennedy Roesch. The ‘Cats’ best shooter returned healthy during the conference tournament after missing the first round against USC. With nine goals and six assists on the year, Roesch gives Northwestern a genuine scoring threat that keeps upset hopes alive.
Experience matters in tournament play, and Northwestern has plenty of it. Three captains — Caterina Regazzoni, Kelsey Kwon and Brooke Miller — were on the 2022 roster that made the stunning Sweet 16 run. Alisha Ware and Hayley Newman were also part of that squad. These players aren’t strangers to the Big Dance, and that familiarity with high-stakes moments could prove invaluable.
Prediction: Northwestern 1, Alabama 0
Like I said in the Big Ten Tournament preview, why not keep believing? This could mirror the ‘Cats’ 1-0 upset of No. 4 TCU earlier this season, the game where Northwestern proved they could compete with those postseason contenders.
If Northwestern wins, it won’t be a high-scoring affair. That’s never been the ‘Cats’ style in ranked battles. They typically score first or in clutch moments, then lock down defensively to protect the lead or secure one golden point from hard-fought draws.
Alabama ranks 29th in the latest RPI — just three spots ahead of Northwestern. The gap is minimal, meaning the ‘Cats have a legitimate chance to advance. They’ve already proven this season that they can rise to the occasion against superior opponents.
It would be fun to watch them keep dancing on the grass on Friday night. And based on what they’ve shown this season, there’s every reason to believe they can pull off another upset when it matters most.
