Third-year goalkeeper Dani Eden has been the light at the end of the tunnel for the University of Rhode Island women’s soccer team this season, setting the school record with 10 shutouts in net.

Eden began her collegiate career at Drexel University and transferred to URI after not seeing the pitch in her freshman year.

“It was a really great environment [at Drexel],” Eden said. “I learned a lot sitting on the bench basically the entire year. The girls are great there; they’re still my best friends. The coaches there are brilliant. I learned so much there.”

During her time at Drexel, Eden had zero recorded stats and never made an appearance in a game. She looked to find a new opportunity in her first year at URI.

Eden caught the attention of URI Head Coach Megan Jessee during her freshman season at Drexel.

“I remember seeing her highlight video and kind of wondering why she wasn’t playing for them,” Jessee said. “But they didn’t really play her much, and obviously she was looking to transfer, but it didn’t take long to know that she had a lot of talent.”

Eden made her debut for the Rams last season when the Rams had a historic 6-0 victory over the University of Richmond on Oct. 3, 2024, but late in the game, Eden suffered a season-ending injury.

“For me, that was my first [game] coming back from injury, but it also ended my season,” Eden said. “That game set the tone for myself and the team, showing that I am going to be here next year and show out.”

The injury was an obstacle to overcome for Eden, but she said that it gave her more motivation to come into this season stronger and better than ever.

This season, Eden was named the starter, and she never looked back. Eden recorded 10 shutouts on the year and helped lead the Rams to an 11-5-2 record and the fourth seed in the Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament.

“I think the defense plays a really big part on how I can make my job super easy,” Eden said.

On Oct. 12, Eden broke the URI women’s soccer record for shutouts in a season against Davidson, picking up her ninth shutout of the season in a 2-0 win. Eden talked about the emotions of being able to make her mark in school history.

“Excitement— all my teammates ran to me; they were all hype,” Eden said. “I’m hoping I can break it even further next year.”

The Newton, Pennsylvania, native has been making a name for herself all season long with her success. Eden and the Rams will look to keep the momentum going on Friday at 7 p.m. in the A-10 Tournament at home against Virginia Commonwealth University. The match will stream on ESPN+.

The post Eden etches name into record book with double-digit shutouts first appeared on The Good 5¢ Cigar.