CHICAGO — The University of Chicago women’s soccer team is on fire this season. They secured a solid 2–0 victory against North Park University, bringing their record to 5-0 and leaving the Vikings at 3-4.
The Maroons wasted no time. Just under two minutes in, senior midfielder Mary Stuart Kerrigan scored the first goal, assisted by Ella Cho. This was the fastest goal for Chicago this season.
They kept the pressure on. In the 21st minute, Cho assisted McKenzie Toomey, who scored her first goal of the season, making it 2-0. Cho now has three assists this season and played a key role in driving the offense.
With a dominant performance, UChicago outshot North Park 21-3 and led in corner kicks 11-1, showing their control of the game. Kerrigan had six shots and even hit the woodwork, almost scoring again.
Goalkeeper Sophia Sasaki was impressive in goal, earning her fourth clean sheet with two saves. Despite not scoring in the second half, the Maroons maintained their intensity. The defense, led by Toomey, Layne Kohler, and Tahra Minowada, kept North Park from generating real threats.
Looking ahead, UChicago will travel to Michigan this weekend. They face Hope on Saturday at 4 p.m. and Kalamazoo on Sunday at 3 p.m.
These victories highlight not only individual talents like Cho and Kerrigan but also the depth of the team. According to a recent survey from the NCAA, over 60% of student-athletes report that strong team chemistry boosts performance. UChicago appears to be harnessing this well, making them a team to watch this season.
With their current form, there’s growing excitement on social media. Fans are using hashtags like #MaroonsRise and sharing highlights, showcasing their support. As the season progresses, UChicago aims to keep this momentum going.
