The Washington Huskies are set to open their season on Thursday night against No. 18 San Diego at Husky Soccer Stadium, a matchup that pits two top‑20 programs against each other in a contest that feels more like a championship preview than a mere opener.
Both teams arrive with impressive résumés; the Huskies, reigning national champions, finished last season with a 16‑6‑2 record and 54 goals, while San Diego, a four‑time Western Collegiate Soccer Conference champion from 2022 to 2025, brings a storied tradition of its own.
Preseason accolades have already placed several Huskies among the nation’s elite. Harrison Bertos earned first‑team honors on the Top Drawer Soccer Preseason Best IX and sits at No. 3 in the overall player rankings, while Zach Ramsey and Alex Hall were selected to the second and third teams respectively.
Bertos, who anchored the defensive line and contributed two postseason goals, was a pivotal force in the Huskies’ historic run of six straight NCAA tournament victories on the road, a record that helped rewrite the college soccer record book in 2025.
Alex Hall, an All‑Big Ten First Team selection, tallied 18 points during the championship season, including five goals and eight assists, underscoring his all‑around impact.
Road Dominance Sets the Stage
Washington’s ability to win championship games away from home has become a defining characteristic of the program, a narrative that resonates with recruits and fans alike.
The upcoming game also serves as a showcase for the Big Ten Network and highlights the growing visibility of college soccer on national platforms, with the match scheduled to be broadcast across multiple channels aimed at soccer fans across the United States.
The excitement is further amplified by the presence of five Huskies who have already secured spots in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft, including Richie Aman, who was selected eighth overall by DC United and earned first‑team United Soccer Coaches All‑American honors.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Huskies translate their preseason promise into another title‑contending campaign, especially as they aim to extend their unbeaten streak in neutral‑site tournament games.