MU’s Women’s Club Soccer Team as of Fall ‘26 semester
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Sarah Rolka, Asst. Features Editor
On Oct. 4, The women’s club soccer team at Manhattan University (MU) played against fellow National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) Region 1 ranked team in the New York Metro area, Columbia University (CU).
While MU’s club team fell to CU 2-0, coaches and players reflected on the loss and other setbacks earlier in the season, emphasizing how the team has maintained its spirit and strong team culture despite the challenges.
Ashley Zegler, senior, president and team captain, spoke about the game against CU.
“It definitely was a good matchup,” Zegler said. “I think we’ve definitely seen a lot of improvement in the team with this being our second year. I’m really proud of the work the girls have put in… and I hope for down the line too.”
Malcolm Naughton, senior and co-captain for the women’s club team and wingback for the men’s club soccer team, added to Zegler’s comment.
“Playing against a school like CU didn’t feel any different than playing any other team,” Naughton wrote in an email to The Quadrangle. “It was fun playing against teams in our area throughout the season and playing in a competitive league. We played two games the day before and the girls gave it their all, but unfortunately we lost 2-0.”
Zegler had also noted on how this club team has been a highlight of her time at MU. She mentioned everyone’s positive attitude and commitment to the team, even with late practices in Gaelic Park.
“It’s been really one of the highlights of my time here at MU,” Zegler said. “I enjoy [spending time] with a lot of the girls. We do have late practices… but having the practices at 9 p.m. where the games are still such a wonderful time because a lot of the girls do put in the work and they have a very positive attitude.”
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Olivia Pollock, freshman radiation therapy major, spoke with The Quadrangle on her personal history with soccer and that after coming to MU.
“Going into college, I played soccer my whole life and my senior year,” Pollock said. “I stopped the recruiting process and decided I wanted to focus on my academics. I came to MU and found the club team… [with] the club team, it’s really fun and playing with the girls is so exciting every time.”
Pollock additionally reflected on how welcoming the team was when she first joined.
“The first day of tryouts practice, I felt so welcomed by everyone,” Pollock said. “One of the captains Zegler made me feel so comfortable on the field, even the other upperclassmen.”
Zegler emphasized how support from those close to the team are always appreciated at games and for supporting in whichever way they can.
“As a program, I’m glad to see that a lot of people are supporting it outside of the [MU] community, whether it’s families [or friends] of players coming to games or supporting our fundraising effects as we’re [building] a club,” Zegler said.
Zegler acknowledged her role as team captain and president of the club, but additionally recognized the work and dedication that the e-board and team players put into it.
“I play a big part in the planning and organizing, but I also have an executive board that I’m very happy for their assistance… I really appreciate them stepping up this year to take on more of a role,” Zegler said. “But with the team dynamic of it, a lot of players are very helpful with the whole organization side of it which has allowed me to help grow the club, but then also enjoy it as a player.”
Naughton called out some memorable moments over this fall season.
“The season was super fun and fulfilling,” Naughton said. “The girls went out and battled every game. The best part of the season was our “Round-Robin” at Iona [University]. We played a great game in the rain against Stony Brook [University] and tied 0-0, then right after we played Iona and won 3-0. It was a long day in the rain, but the team played incredibly and then a win capped off a great day.”
Naughton additionally commented on his hopes for future seasons and the spring semester when tryouts and games pick back up again.
“The team gets better every practice and every game,” Naughton wrote. “We build day-by-day and we hope even more girls will come out next semester.”
The women’s club soccer team at MU is a part of two different leagues in the Eastern Coastal region, NIRSA and the US College Soccer Conference (USCC). The team plays in the NIRSA league during the fall semester and the USCC during the spring semester.
The MU team is a part of the ranked Region 1 teams within the New York Metro area for NIRSA. Further information regarding spring semester USCC teams and schedules will be updated on their website collegeclubsoccer.com and Instagram @uscceast.