Duke University’s women’s soccer program has opened the 2026 campaign with a No. 3 preseason ranking in the United Soccer Coaches Top 25, a position that underscores the team’s consistent rise over the past half‑decade.
ACC Dominance in the Preseason Top 25
The Atlantic Coast Conference continues to command respect, holding four of the five spots in the upper echelon of the poll. Stanford leads at No. 1 with 191 points, followed by Notre Dame at No. 2 (189), Duke at No. 3 (183) and Florida State at No. 4 (170).
This configuration not only highlights the conference’s depth but also sets a competitive tone for the upcoming season, as each of these programs brings a blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers.
Preseason Schedule Highlights
Duke will host Wake Forest in a free exhibition match on August 5 at 7:30 p.m. at Freeman Field, an event that is open to the public and serves as the first on‑field test for the Blue Devils.
The following week, on August 8 at 1:30 p.m., Duke concludes its preseason slate with a clash against Carolina Ascent FC, a United Soccer League side that will provide a different style of opposition ahead of the regular season.
Both matches are part of the broader USL GSL competition, offering players a chance to fine‑tune tactics while gauging the impact of offseason additions and returning starters.
Coach Emily Sohn, now in her third year at the helm, emphasized the importance of these early games for building chemistry and reinforcing the team’s defensive solidity, which helped Duke secure its top‑five preseason standing.
Fans can expect a high‑tempo, possession‑based approach as the Blue Devils look to translate their preseason momentum into a strong start to the regular schedule, with the ultimate goal of contending for the ACC title and a deep run in the NCAA tournament.