The Holy Cross women’s soccer team seeks a crucial Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) win against Judson on Wednesday night. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
The Saints sit at 1-4 on the season and have struggled to put the ball in the back of the net. All three of their goals thus far came in their lone win against Goshen on Sept. 3. Junior midfielder Erika Perez netted a brace in that game, while junior forward Miriam Iturriaga-Sanchez chipped in with two assists. Holy Cross outshot the Maple Leafs 25-5.
Holy Cross’ most recent outing, a 1-0 loss to Rochester Christian, followed a similar story. The Saints were once again dominant in the attacking third, outshooting the Warriors 14-5. However, unfortunately for head coach Duma Magagula’s team, none found the back of the net.
The Saints now face a Judson side that has struggled in a similar fashion. The Eagles are 1-3, and the only goal they have scored this season came in their 1-0 win against Indiana Tech on Sept. 6. Sophomore midfielder Liza Von Blumenthal provided the decisive strike.
Holy Cross and Judson have shared some amazing battles over the years. In 2022, the Eagles won 3-2 in the final 10 minutes of play. In total, the two teams combined for 50 shots. The year prior, Holy Cross reigned victorious 1-0 thanks to a late goal from Katie Garon. That win marks the last time the Saints have defeated Judson.
With both programs enduring rough starts to the season, a win is crucial for both sides. This particularly rings true for Holy Cross, whose next three fixtures are against St. Ambrose, Olivet Nazarene and St. Francis – last season's top three teams in the final CCAC regular-season table.
While the Eagles’ next slate of matches aren’t as steep of a challenge, they are far from easy. Judson squares off against St. Francis, followed by a match against Viterbo, who always prove to be a worthy opponent in conference play.
The Saints will look to seek a vital CCAC victory by relying on Iturriaga-Sanchez at the number nine position. Iturriaga-Sanchez is no stranger to causing havoc for opposition backlines. The menacing forward recorded 12 goals and five assists in 2024, tallying a team-high 29 points. Although she showed off her playmaking ability against Goshen with two assists, the Saints need Iturriaga-Sanchez to regain the scoring form that defined her 2024 campaign.
Holy Cross will also search for contributions in the final third from sophomore forward Emma Vono. During her freshman year, Vono assisted six goals – a team-high for returning players in 2025.
Wednesday night will prove to be a season-defining game in Holy Cross’ young season. A win will get them back on track prior to their toughest stretch of the season. A loss will hurt their chances of returning to the CCAC playoffs. This game is make or break.
Streaming for the match can be found on Holy Cross’ athletic website.
