The 2026 college men's soccer season will open with a clash between the La Salle Explorers and the Lehigh Mountain Hawks at Ulrich Sports Complex in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, on Friday evening, August 21, at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
La Salle entered the new campaign after a modest 2025 campaign that saw them finish 4‑5‑8 and bow out of the Atlantic 10 tournament at the hands of Saint Louis, a result that left the Explorers eager to rebound.
Lehigh, by contrast, posted a stronger 9‑5‑6 record last year, went 5‑1‑3 within the Patriot League and fought its way to the conference championship before a penalty shootout saw them slip past Lafayette.
Preseason Honors and Outlook
The Mountain Hawks were slotted third in the preseason poll released by the league, a positioning that reflects both respect for their recent achievements and the competitive nature of the circuit.
Adding to the buzz, Lehigh’s net‑minder Anton Kinnunen earned the preseason honor of Goalkeeper of the Year, a testament to his standout performances and the expectations placed on him to anchor a defense that aims to start the season strong.
Fans can anticipate a high‑intensity contest as both squads look to establish early momentum, with the matchup serving as an early barometer for the aspirations of each program.