Pepperdine Women’s Soccer Season Opener Against TCU
The Pepperdine women’s soccer team kicks off their 2025 season with an exciting match against the TCU Horned Frogs. The game will take place this Thursday at 5:00 p.m. PT at the Garvey-Rosenthal Soccer Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas.
Game Day Details
Fans can watch the action on ESPN+ (subscription required) and find live stats on PepperdineWaves.com.
Series Background
Pepperdine has a solid record against TCU, winning all three previous matches. Their last encounter in Fort Worth in 2021 ended with a 1-0 victory for Pepperdine. This match marks a fresh start for both teams, each sporting a 0-0 record.
Tough Competition Ahead
With only eight non-conference games scheduled, Pepperdine faces a formidable challenge. The Waves are up against two top-10 teams right away: #9 TCU and #5 USC. Their schedule also includes a rematch against Cal, whom they faced in a nail-biting double-overtime loss in last year’s NCAA tournament.
Looking Back: Previous Season
Last year, the Waves, who were predicted to finish third, surprised many by sharing the West Coast Conference title with Santa Clara. This marks their fifth championship in program history. However, their season ended sadly with a first-round loss to Cal.
Key Players to Watch
Pepperdine boasts standout players like graduate Tabitha LaParl and senior Karina Gonzalez, both named among the country’s top midfielders. Gonzalez is also highlighted in the Top Drawer Soccer’s preseason top 100, ranking at 41. Senior Tatum Wynalda joins them, making Pepperdine the only school with multiple players on the WCC preseason team. Other returning stars include Megan Edelman and Peyton Leonard.
Roster Insights
Pepperdine’s roster features 29 players, including 21 returners and nine postseason starters. This mix of experience and fresh talent is a promising sign for the season ahead.
Scouting TCU
TCU enters the season ranked #9 by the United Soccer Coaches. They had a strong 2024 campaign, finishing with a 17-4-2 record. The Horned Frogs are favorites in the Big 12 and feature standout forwards Bella Diorio and Seven Castain. Diorio was a MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist last year, while Castain led her team and conference in goals.
As both teams gear up for an intense opener, all eyes will be on how they perform. The stakes are high, and the competition fierce.
