The University of Maine women's soccer team will open its 2026 season on August 12, 2026, at 7 p.m. at the URI Soccer Complex in Kingston, Rhode Island. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+.
A rivalry renewed
Maine and Rhode Island have met 23 times since the programs first faced off, with the Black Bears holding a 9‑11‑3 edge in the all‑time series. The most recent encounter saw URI defeat Maine 2‑0 in Orono, while a 1‑0 win for Maine followed later in Kingston.
Both squads entered the 2025 campaign with strong momentum. Maine finished the season with a 6‑8‑4 record, capturing a third consecutive America East tournament title and securing a berth in the NCAA Tournament. Rhode Island posted a 13‑5‑3 record and advanced to its first A‑10 conference championship game in two decades.
Returning talent will be a key factor for both teams. Eight of Maine’s top eleven goal scorers and eight of its top twelve point‑getters return, highlighted by preseason All‑Conference selections Luise Reinwald and Olivia Grisdale. Rhode Island’s leading scorer, Lauren MacDonald, who contributed ten goals and five assists last season, will also be back in the lineup.
Looking ahead
Maine’s early schedule includes home matchups against Mercer on August 20, Sacred Heart on August 23 and Merrimack on August 27 before traveling to face Rhode Island on August 12. The slate blends non‑conference opponents with a high‑profile start against the Rams.