The Manhattan University women's soccer program has reason to celebrate as the 2026 Metro Preseason Coaches' Poll places the team sixth, a spot it shares with Marist and marks the highest preseason standing for the program since a fourth‑place finish in 2018.
That placement mirrors the previous year's sixth‑place finish, underscoring a steady climb that began when the team broke into the top five three seasons ago. The roster returns 22 athletes from the 2025 campaign, including eight freshmen who will add depth and fresh energy.
Milestones on the Horizon
Among those returnees, senior goalkeeper Molly Brunk has cemented her legacy by setting a new program record for career shutouts, a milestone she reached with her 18th clean sheet against Marist in 2025. She now stands four victories away from matching Kristen Skonieczny’s all‑time wins record.
Head coach Brendan Lawler, already the winningest coach in Manhattan history, is poised to reach the 100‑win plateau, a benchmark that would surpass every predecessor in the program’s annals.
The Green and White open the 2026 season on August 12, traveling to West Long Branch, New Jersey, to face the Monmouth Hawks. The match, scheduled for 6 p.m., will be streamed on FloCollege, where viewers can follow the action with a paid subscription.
With a blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, the team aims to translate its preseason optimism into on‑field success. The early schedule promises competitive matchups, and the program’s growing broadcast presence reflects increasing interest from the collegiate soccer community.