The Longwood University men's soccer team opened its 2026 campaign with a thrilling 6‑5 victory over William & Mary, a match that showcased the attacking brilliance of Youssef Shafei, who netted the game‑winning goal in the 29th minute, and Joshwa Campbell, whose two headed strikes set an early tone for the offense. Midfielder Mesfin Roda orchestrated the attack, delivering three assists that not only secured the win but also tied a school record for a Division I game.
Building on that momentum, the Lancers will host Coastal Carolina on Monday, August 24, at 6 p.m. at the Longwood Athletics Complex before welcoming Southern Virginia on Friday, August 28, at 7 p.m. Both contests will be played on the familiar turf of Farmville, Virginia, where the team enjoys strong community support and a vibrant home‑field atmosphere.
The upcoming fixtures will be streamed live on ESPN+, giving fans across the country a chance to follow the action as the squad looks to translate early success into a sustained run of positive results. The broadcast platform adds a national spotlight to what many expect to be a pivotal stretch for the program.
Adding to the buzz, five Lancers — including Bedolla, Roda, Kamdjin, Serralde and Ferrero — were named to the Big South Preseason Players To Watch list, underscoring the program’s growing reputation and the individual talent that could drive the team forward throughout the season.
A glance back at history reveals that the last encounter between Longwood and Coastal Carolina in 2015 ended in a 2‑1 overtime win for the Chanticleers, a reminder that each new meeting brings its own narrative and that the Lancers are eager to rewrite the script with a fresh outcome.
Looking ahead
Coach and the athletic department are optimistic that the early wins will translate into a competitive edge as the schedule progresses, with the team’s depth and chemistry evident in the way Roda’s three assists tied a school record. If the Lancers can maintain this momentum, the early home games could set the tone for a standout season.