Season Opener Set for Thursday Night
The Seahawks will travel to Baltimore to meet the UMBC Retrievers at 7 p.m. on Thursday, kicking off a 2026 schedule that promises early tests and high stakes. This clash marks the fifth-ever meeting between the programs, with the last encounter in 2025 ending in a 2-1 victory for the Retrievers. UNCW holds a 2-1-1 edge in the series and will play at UMBC for the first time since 2016, adding a layer of excitement for both fan bases.
The matchup also serves as a home‑and‑home series opener for the Seahawks, who will host Georgia Southern later in the week. The game at Retriever Soccer Park will be streamed live on FloCollege, while tickets are available through UNCWSports.com/BuyTickets, giving supporters a chance to follow the action both in person and online.
Preseason Honors and Player Recognition
Three UNCW midfielders earned preseason accolades on the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) South Division team. Midfielder Osei Gyamfi, defender Jake Roberts and goalkeeper Trey Smiley were all selected to the Preseason All‑Coastal Athletic Association Team, highlighting the coaching staff’s confidence in the squad’s depth and talent.
The recognition extends beyond the current roster. Former Seahawk defender Hjalmar Ekdal, now a reserve on the Swedish national team, and midfielder Austin MacPhee, who helped Portugal reach the Round of 16 in his first World Cup appearance, both remain connected to the program’s proud alumni legacy.
A Schedule Packed with Division Rivalries
Beyond the UMBC opener, the Seahawks are slated for an 16‑game regular season that includes eight home contests at UNCW Soccer Stadium. The team will face each CAA South Division rival twice in a home‑and‑home format, meeting Elon, Campbell, Charleston and William & Mary on alternating sites. Coaches project the Seahawks to finish second in the division, a realistic target given the competitive balance and the experience returning from last season.
The broader schedule also features non‑conference road trips that will test the squad’s adaptability, while the home opener against Georgia Southern promises another early‑season showdown that could set the tone for the months ahead.