In need of a result to halt a three-match losing skid, Ottawa women's soccer is set to host McPherson College on Saturday. Kickoff from the Dick Peters Sports Complex is set for 1 p.m.

The Matchup

Ottawa has owned the overall series between the teams, with 26 wins and one draw to just seven losses in 34 matches, although the Braves were shutout 3-0 in the 2025 meeting between the teams. The loss marked just the fourth time that Ottawa surrendered two or more goals to the Bulldogs and only the sixth time in the series that McPherson held the Braves scoreless. Indeed, the lone draw in the series was a 0-0 (2OT) match in 2011.

Last Time Out

Despite having the better quality chances in the second half against Avila, the Braves were unable to overcome a pair of first half goals from Cali Lasater falling 2-1. Rylee Ringer scored Ottawa's goal in the 31st minute, forcing a turnover by Avila's goalkeeper and sending an easy roller into the back of the net.

About McPherson College

After narrowly edging the Braves out for the no. 8 spot in the 2026 KCAC Women's Soccer Preseason poll, the Bulldogs have had considerable success in the early portion of the league slate. McPherson is undefeated in KCAC action, picking up four shutout wins (Tabor, Sterling, USM, Bethany) and a 1-1 draw against Evangel through five matches. The Bulldogs have an 8-1-1 overall record on the year, although their non-conference schedule included a pair of NCCAA schools as well as NAIA debutants Hesston College, in just its second season of transition from NJCAA competition.

McPherson's offensive output looks flashy on paper, as the Bulldogs have scored 34 goals on the year. Jordyn Smith leads McPherson with nine goals, with Gracie Speltz adding five on the year. Of the 11 goalscorers for McPherson this season, nine have tallied two or more on the year.

Similarly, the Bulldogs' defensive record is solid, as Emily Singletary has allowed just four goals in 860:18 spread across her 10 starts, posting a goals-against average of 0.42 and a save percentage of .862 on the year. Elizabeth Schuerman collected 19:42 in cleanup duty during McPherson's 10-0 rout of Bethany College. She stopped the only shot she faced in the match.

Welcome (Back) Home

After playing the past several seasons at AdventHealth Field, Ottawa returns to the Dick Peters Sports Complex for the 2026 season.

"We are excited to be returning home to Dick Peters Sports Complex," said head coach James Cottage. "Playing on a soccer specific field, a field that is longer and wider, it will really match what we're trying to achieve. We want to play with fast wingers that can get into one on one opportunities, but this field will help defenders as well."

In addition to the benefits for the team, the fan experience is also expected to be improved with the move to Peters.

"With the move, fans can be closer to the field and really get up close and be that extra bit of support for our team," added Cottage. "I want to make it feel like a home, a place where teams look at it and go 'Oh, we've got to go to Ottawa. We have to play on that big field and it's going to be a mess.' That's what we're looking for."