The Notre Dame Fighting Irish, currently holding the No. 2 spot in the national rankings, are set to open their season against Penn State on August 16 at noon, with the clash taking place at Alumni Stadium in South Bend, Indiana.
A look back at the series reveals that the Irish have dominated the Nittany Lions, posting a 3‑1 advantage, the most recent encounter dating back to 2008, setting the stage for another highly anticipated showdown.
Coaching continuity and home‑field advantage
Head coach Nate Norman, who has guided the program to multiple deep tournament runs, including Sweet 16, Elite Eight and two Final Four appearances, continues to shape a squad that finished fourth in the country with 60 goals last year and boasts a 144‑33‑11 record at home since the stadium’s renovation in 2009.
Central to Notre Dame’s outlook are standout returners such as Izzy Engle, Annabelle Chukwu, Reese Canada and Gracie Milam, who together account for 88.6% of the team’s scoring from last season and bring a blend of speed, skill and experience that fans have come to expect.
The Irish entered the preseason ranked second in the United Soccer Coaches Poll and are the favorites to capture the 2026 ACC women’s soccer championship, a goal that aligns with their ambition to secure a top seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
Fans can also look forward to the season‑opening draw with Samford, where goalkeeper Sonoma Kasica posted her 14th shutout, underscoring the depth and defensive solidity that could prove decisive as the schedule unfolds.