2026 College Soccer Preview
College Women's Soccer Previews Highlight Rebuilding Rosters And Tough 2026 Schedules
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Key Points
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Clarkson University returns seven players who logged 750+ minutes last season, providing a durable backbone on defense and midfield as the Knights look to supplement scoring lost with departures and rebound from injuries that hampered 2025.
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Edgewood University’s 2026 schedule features a rematch of last year’s NACC Tournament Semifinal against MSOE on Sept. 23, with notable road tests against Illinois Tech (Sept. 26) and UW-La Crosse (Sept. 30), while seven freshmen join a returning core to bolster depth.
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Minnesota opens the season against No. 15 BYU in Provo, a series BYU leads 3-0-0 dating to their first meeting in 2000, before returning home to host St. Thomas in a cross-town matchup.
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St. Thomas is led this season by first-year head coach Gretta Macdonald, who previously spent 12 seasons at St. Cloud State, earning NSIC Coach of the Year honors in 2023 and 2025 and guiding St. Cloud State to three NCAA Tournament appearances and the 2023 NSIC championship.
Three college women's soccer programs face crucial tests in late August 2026 as they chase playoff contention with deeper rosters and new leadership. Clarkson Athletics returns seven defenders with 750+ minutes of experience, looking to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2025 season. Edgewood Athletics welcomes seven freshmen alongside returning scorers for a competitive conference run. Minnesota Athletics opens against No. 15 BYU in Provo before hosting St. Thomas, navigating early nonconference pressure under returning senior leadership.
All three programs are leaning on enlarged freshman classes and proven returners to manage demanding schedules. Early nonconference results will shape regional rankings before conference play begins, testing whether new arrivals can integrate quickly under high pressure.
Clarkson's Defensive Rebuild After Injury Crisis
Clarkson lost critical scoring talent in 2025 with the departures of Lillian Gillett (10 points), Paige Ford (9 points), and set-piece specialist Julia Tyler. But Clarkson Athletics reports the Knights will stabilize their backline with seven returning players who logged 750+ minutes last season. Defenders Rachael Matthews, Riley Irvin, and Callie Abel anchor a strengthened defense. Coaches Zac Shaw and Aida Kardovic are leading the rebuilding effort.
The addition of a large, talented first-year class should deepen the roster and push the Knights back into playoff contention. Clarkson Athletics emphasized that returning midfield and defensive continuity will allow new arrivals to learn and grow without excessive early-season pressure.
Edgewood Balances Leadership Transition and Tough Schedule
Edgewood Athletics opens the road season against Carthage College on September 1, then faces a gauntlet of notable opponents. The Eagles will rematch NACC Tournament Semifinal opponent MSOE on September 23 after losing 3-0 last year. Road tests against defending NACC champion Illinois Tech (September 26) and regional power UW-La Crosse (September 30) come early in the campaign.
New coach Jon Gulrajani takes over after Derek Helmer's departure. Edgewood Athletics quoted Gulrajani: "I've been really pleased with the effort, attitude and positivity this group has shown... I'm excited about the progress we're making as we learn new things, adapt on the fly." Seven freshmen join a returning core to bolster depth across positions.
Minnesota Opens Against Top-15 BYU, Hosts St. Thomas
Minnesota Athletics kicks off at No. 15 BYU in Provo on August 27 in a road test that demands senior leadership. BYU holds a 3-0-0 lifetime record over Minnesota dating to 2000, including a 3-1 victory in Minneapolis last season. Senior forward Ava Westlund paced Minnesota's offense and came off a two-goal performance against North Dakota State.
Minnesota returns home August 30 to host St. Thomas in a cross-town matchup. The Gophers hold an all-time 4-0-0 record against St. Thomas dating to 1993. Minnesota entered the BYU match with a 2-0-1 record and aims to extend success against familiar competition.
St. Thomas Leadership Shift Amid Coaching Transition
St. Thomas hired Gretta Macdonald as its fifth head coach in December 2025 after she spent 12 seasons at St. Cloud State. Macdonald compiled a 105-72-36 record, earned NSIC Coach of the Year honors in 2023 and 2025, and guided St. Cloud State to three NCAA Tournament appearances and the 2023 NSIC championship.
However, St. Thomas Athletics announced in July that Macdonald would take a leave of absence for the 2026 season due to a family health concern. Becca Brandt was elevated to interim head coach, introducing unexpected change as St. Thomas prepares to face Minnesota in the cross-town rivalry.
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