A Season of Momentum
The Portland Pilots Women's Soccer team will open its 2026 campaign against the No. 12 Washington Huskies on August 12 at 7 p.m. in Seattle, marking the first meeting of the season and a return to competitive play after a strong finish the previous year.
Last season the Pilots finished second in the West Coast Conference with a 10‑3‑6 overall record and a 7‑1‑3 mark in conference play. Their defense was a cornerstone, posting a goals‑against average of .632 and a shutout percentage of .526 while allowing just 12 goals in 19 matches. Goalkeeper Sophia Hills recorded nine clean sheets, the most by a Pilot keeper since Bre Norris in 2023.
Individual accolades highlighted the campaign. Violet Rademacher emerged as the team’s leading scorer with seven goals and earned All‑WCC First Team and Scholar All‑American honors. Defender Keeley Dockter was named WCC Defender of the Year and received a United Soccer Coaches All‑West Region First Team selection. Head coach Michelle French, in her eighth year, compiled a 70‑44‑27 record and was recognized as an All‑American defender during her playing career.
The Pilots’ momentum carried into the preseason, where they were tabbed second in the 2026 Coaches Poll — the highest preseason ranking under French. Five Pilots earned All‑WCC honors, underscoring the blend of returning stars and impact newcomers.
Across the state, the Washington Huskies arrived with their own accolades. Ranked 12th in the preseason poll, they posted a 15‑3‑7 record last season, capturing the Big Ten title and advancing to the NCAA Tournament quarterfinals. Alex Buck paced the Huskies with nine goals and five assists, earning first‑team All‑American and Big Ten honors.
The two programs have a history of close contests, most recently sharing a 1‑1 draw before Portland secured a 1‑0 victory in Seattle. As both squads prepare for Thursday night’s showdown, the match promises a clash of top‑tier talent, defensive grit, and the excitement of a season just beginning.