Princeton University’s women’s soccer program is gearing up for the 2026 campaign after capturing back-to-back Ivy League championships in 2024 and 2025, a feat that has placed the Tigers among the conference’s most consistent contenders.
The team opens the season with a home matchup against Loyola (Md.) on Thursday at 7 p.m. at Roberts Stadium, then travels to Syracuse on Sunday, setting the tone for a demanding non-conference slate that also includes trips to Ohio State and Rutgers.
Coach’s roster blends experience with youth, featuring returning starters such as junior forward Alexandra Barry, who contributed five goals and 14 points last season, and midfielder Dylan Jovanovic, who recorded six assists and two goals. In goal, Cecilia Cerone and Sydney Romano will look to build on a defensive record that allowed just 18 goals in 17 games.
Princeton’s schedule is notable for its breadth, pitting the Tigers against a mix of Power Five opponents and mid-major programs. The non-conference slate also features contests against teams from the Big 12, ACC and Big Ten, underscoring the program’s ambition to test itself beyond the Ivy League.
Across the border, Loyola (Md.) enters the series forecasted fourth in the Patriot League, relying on returning scorers Savannah Manset and Taryn Buckley, while Syracuse, slated 17th in the ACC preseason poll, will lean on a defensive core after losing key attackers.
The historical edge favors Princeton, which holds a 4-2 record against Loyola and a 2-0-1 edge over Syracuse, with the most recent meeting against the latter dating back to 2003. Alumni connections also add intrigue, as former goalkeeper Tyler McCamey recently signed with FC Barcelona Femení and three Tigers currently appear on NWSL rosters, including Pietra Tordin, Madison Curry and Aria Nagai.
A Historic Pursuit
If the Tigers can secure another victory, they will become the first squad since Brown’s 2019-23 run to capture three consecutive Ivy League titles, a milestone that would cement their place in conference lore and highlight the impact of a recruiting pipeline that has already produced six first-year players such as Gianna Camporeale, Blane McElroy and Victoria Adams.