A New Chapter for Arizona State Soccer
The Sun Devils will step onto the pitch on Wednesday, August 12, at 6 p.m. MST, opening the 2026‑27 campaign against New Mexico State. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+, marking the first time the two programs have met in a season‑opening contest.
Arizona State enters the matchup with a 4‑0 edge over the Aggies, having secured a 1‑0 victory on August 31, 2025. The upcoming clash will also be the earliest opener in the program’s 30‑year history, surpassing the previous benchmark of August 14, 2025.
The contest adds a layer of narrative intrigue, as the Sun Devils aim to extend a 21‑win streak in season‑opening games that is tied for the most wins in a single match type in school history. At the same time, the team will field 14 international student‑athletes hailing from Brazil, Canada, Colombia, England, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway and Slovenia.
A notable storyline involves the goalkeeping position, where no returning starter from the previous opener will be on the field. If Arizona‑born keepers Kennedy Zorn or Izzy Duink earn the nod, it will mark the first time since 2021 that an American‑born player has started the season’s first game. The coaching staff, led by Graham Winkworth, will be watching the debut closely.
Veteran players such as Julia Ortega, Birta Gudlaugsdottir, Pauline Nelles, MJ Newsom and Brian Cox will provide depth and experience as the squad blends fresh talent with established leadership.
What to Watch
Fans can expect a fast‑paced opening, a defensive battle against a disciplined New Mexico State side, and a showcase of the global reach of the Sun Devils program. The early‑season test will set the tone for a schedule that promises more high‑profile matchups.