The ULM Warhawks are set to travel to Denton, Texas, where they will meet the North Texas Mean Green for the second consecutive season, a matchup that last occurred in 2010. The game marks the ninth meeting between the two programs, with ULM holding a 6‑2 lead in the series history.
ULM arrives after a convincing 6‑1 home win over Alcorn State, improving to 1‑0‑1 on the young campaign. In contrast, North Texas opened the season with a 2‑0 loss to SMU, leaving them 0‑1 and still searching for their first point.
Historically, the Warhawks have dominated the series, but they have yet to secure a victory in Denton. Their most recent triumph was a 1‑0 shutout, underscoring the narrow margins that often define these contests.
A New Era Under Antony Blackburn
First‑year head coach Antony Blackburn, who previously guided teams in Spain and England, has returned to the United States with a clear vision for the program. Blackburn’s arrival coincides with the return of several key veterans, including goalkeeper Jen Handy, who earned All‑Sun Belt Second Team honors in 2025.
The roster also welcomes back midfielders Mia Bernard and Claire Niedermeier, both recognized on the American Conference Preseason Watch List, as well as veteran defender Sarah Margaret Seabrook, who anchored the defense in the previous season.
Fresh talent is already making noise. Victoria Vinals, a first‑year forward, opened the season with a goal in the 80th minute against Little Rock, becoming the first rookie to score in a season opener since 2018. Midfielder Charli Harris followed that performance with a brace against Alcorn, the first first‑year player since 2022 to record multiple goals in a single game.
Looking ahead, the Warhawks will host Jackson State at Brown Stadium on August 23 at 1 p.m., a non‑conference fixture that will serve as a final tune‑up before conference play. The match will be followed by a home game against Jackson State later in the month.
The 2026 roster features 13 newcomers, including nine true freshmen and three transfers, signaling a blend of youthful energy and seasoned experience. This infusion aims to sustain the momentum built during the previous season and to deepen the squad’s competitiveness across the schedule.