The 2026 women's soccer season for Belmont University gets underway with a home clash against Tennessee Tech on August 12 at 5:30 p.m. Central Time, the match will be streamed live on ESPN+.
Originally slated for the Tennessee Tech Soccer Field in Cookeville, the game was moved to E.S. Rose Park in Nashville after the host venue’s turf failed inspection, ensuring the teams could still meet in front of a full crowd.
Belmont arrives with a revamped roster that still boasts five athletes who have earned All‑Midwest Conference honors, highlighted by senior forward Laken Whittington, who has been placed on the MVC Preseason Watch List after a standout campaign.
The Bruins will have logged two exhibition outings against Alabama A&M and North Alabama, using those games to fine‑tune tactics ahead of the conference opener.
Tennessee Tech, under head coach Corey Boyd in his third year, enters the match fresh off a perfect 6‑0‑3 conference run that secured both the 2025 OVC regular‑season and tournament titles.
All‑time, Belmont holds a 12‑10‑2 edge over the Golden Eagles, highlighted by a 3‑1 victory on September 12, 2024, where goals from Ava Lobocki and Kate Virtel in the final twelve minutes sealed the win.
A historic rivalry renewed
The series narrative adds a layer of intrigue, as the Bruins look to extend their historical advantage while the Golden Eagles aim to overturn the recent trend. Fans can expect a competitive contest, with both programs eager to start the season on a high note, and the broadcast will give viewers across the country a front‑row view of the action.