Bowling Green Falcons women's soccer hosts Purdue in exhibition, signs Canadian forward Mia Ugarte

The Bowling Green State University women's soccer team opened its 2026 season with an exhibition match against the Purdue Boilermakers at Cochrane Stadium in Bowling Green, Ohio. Purdue won 3-1, with goals from senior forward Rosa Maalouf and midfielder Megan Santa Cruz, while the Falcons' lone goal came from senior forward Lizzie Bulty.

Head coach Chris Fox highlighted the value of playing a strong opponent to test the squad and identify areas for improvement. Ahead of the match, Fox announced the addition of Canadian forward/midfielder Mia Ugarte to the Falcons. Ugarte, a native of Ottawa, Ontario, joins the program for the 2026‑27 academic year after playing for Ottawa Rapid FC, Ottawa South United and Canada's U‑17 national team. Fox praised her technical ability, vision and versatility as a striker and attacking midfielder.

The exhibition is the first public appearance of the 2026 roster, which will build on a 2025 season that ended with a 10‑3‑9 record and a run to the Mid‑American Conference championship game.