DAYTON, Ohio — Following a losing 2024 season, the Michigan women’s soccer team is set on writing a different story in 2025. But before that ledger is formally inked, the Wolverines began their season with a friendly against Dayton to test out their roster.
“A big thing for our program is that we want to get back to the Big Ten Tournament and get back to the NCAA Tournament,” coach Jennifer Klein said. “And that’s something that this group is very motivated to do.”
Led by their captains — senior midfielders Jenna Lang and Abby Zugay, as well as graduate goalie Sophie Homan — Michigan was solid in the game’s opening and closing thirds. However, the middle proved difficult, as the Flyers jumped out to a three-score lead before finally conceding a goal, ending the game with a 3-1 victory.
Split into three 30 minute periods, Homan took center stage in the first. The Wolverines and Dayton traded blows for the first half of the period, with neither team able to break through. Finally, after Michigan committed a foul near the right of the box 16 minutes into the match, the Flyers were in a prime position to score.
Lining up across the top of the box, Dayton looked to cross and get a head on the ball. Floating the kick towards the pack of players in the middle, Homan leapt out of her six-yard box and punched the ball out of bounds to give the Flyers a corner. 30 seconds later, Homan used the same defensive tactic, but this time jabbed the ball outside of the penalty area.
As the helm of the defense, Homan showed off more than her athleticism. Constantly rearranging her defense to fit the field, Homan set Michigan up to have the best chance to stifle Dayton.
“I’m the deepest back I can see the most,” Homan said. “I want to help people get to where they need to be so they can worry about their own job. That’s one of the things I value a lot about being a goalie: ‘How am I setting my teammates up for success and being proactive to avoid things from going poorly?’ ”
Even as the Flyers racked up two goals — one off a wayward header and one slotted in from the top of the box — Homan had a strong showing as the Wolverines’ defensive leader. Between shutting down set pieces, hustling to save knocked balls within the box and constantly aiding her back line, Homan demonstrated not only her physical skill set but also her capacity to be a team leader — a trait paramount for the defensive captain.
Zugay and Lang were also rock-solid, constantly supporting their team. Picking up their teammates even when Michigan was down three, Zugay and Lang made their voices heard and their presence felt. Offensive category leaders in points, goals and shot on goals for the Wolverines in 2024, the pair of captains picked up right where they left off.
Stringing together passes and fighting for loose balls, Zugay and Lang’s perseverance was highlighted by Michigan’s lone goal. In the waning minutes of the third period, Zugay lunged towards the ball as Dayton attempted to clear it. Just getting a piece of it, the ball ended up near junior forward Gabrielle Prych who one-timed it into the back of the net.
“No matter what’s going on, we can change to whatever needs to happen, and we’re consistent no matter what the score is — we’re 100% on and giving 100% effort,” Homan said. “As Wolverines we’re just dogs.”
Even with a loss to start off the year, there’s a whole season ahead for Michigan. The cobwebs have been cleared, the captains have shown their grit and the collegiate appearances have been made. With one more friendly on the horizon and then their season opener in 11 days, the Wolverines are on track to have a competitive 2025 season.
