The University of Louisville women’s soccer team is gearing up for another competitive season in 2023. Head coach Karen Ferguson-Dayes enters her 24th season at the helm and will look to guide the Cardinals back to the NCAA Tournament after falling just short last season. 

Louisville finished 2022 with a 6-8-2 overall record and 2-7-2 mark in the challenging Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). They narrowly missed out on a playoff berth. This year’s squad returns 19 players from last season, including All-ACC selections Sarah Hernandez and Maisie Whitsett. Hernandez led the team with 4 goals in 2022, while Whitsett paced the Cards with 5 assists. 

Coach Ferguson-Dayes bolstered the roster by adding 9 newcomers – 5 freshmen and 4 transfers. International talents Viktoria Wik (Denmark) and Fiona Gaißer (Germany) should provide an immediate boost. Meanwhile, forward Maya Anand comes over from Binghamton after earning America East Striker of the Year honors last season.

The Cardinals have a balanced schedule featuring 10 home games and 8 contests against 2022 NCAA Tourney teams. The home slate includes marquee matchups with Virginia, Pitt, Florida State and Syracuse at Dr. Mark & Cindy Lynn Stadium. Road tests at Miami and Notre Dame will be critical for Louisville’s postseason hopes.

With a veteran roster and infusion of new talent, Louisville is poised to move up the ACC standings in 2023; but how far up can they go? Hernandez, Whitsett, and goalkeeper Olivia Whitfield will provide leadership and experience. Meanwhile, the freshmen and transfers should add increased depth and production. 

If the attack can improve on its 1.11 goals per game average from last season, the Cardinals should find themselves back in the NCAA Tournament next fall. Anything short of a postseason berth would be a disappointment. Looking at their demanding schedule, it will be a challenge for them to make a run to the ACC tournament much less the NCAA tournament. 

Coach Ferguson-Dayes has built Louisville into a consistent winner, and 2023 has the makings of another competitive campaign. The Cardinals will look to start strong out of the gate with their season opener on August 17th against Indiana State. With their sights set on an ACC title and a deep NCAA run, the journey begins soon for this talented Louisville squad.

Make sure to stick to Bluegrass Soccer Cast (@BGSoccerCast on all social media platforms) for full coverage of the UofL Women’s Soccer team and everything soccer in our beautiful Commonwealth. 

(Photo: Karthik Kalvakuri | Louisville Athletics)