North Carolina's men's soccer program will travel to Memphis on Monday, August 24, 2026, for an 8 p.m. ET showdown that marks the team's second road test of the season. The match will be streamed live on ESPN+, with veteran commentator Jeff Brightwell providing the play‑by‑play.
New Faces on the roster
The Tar Heels are bringing in a transfer class that finished the previous season ranked No. 2 by TopDrawerSoccer, featuring forwards Joschi Schelb and Ryan Zellefrow, midfielder Nico Loebus, and defender Nick Lockermann. In addition, the incoming freshman cohort holds a No. 14 national ranking, adding depth to an already competitive squad.
Among the newcomers, Alan Rutkowski has stepped into the starting goalkeeper role after serving as Andrew Cordes' understudy last year. Rutkowski made five saves in his collegiate debut, helping the team secure a 1‑1 draw against No. 5 Georgetown, a result highlighted by Joschi Schelb's first goal for the Tar Heels.
Head coach Carlos Somoano, now in his 16th season at UNC and boasting a career record of 185 wins, 68 losses and 56 draws, will look to leverage his extensive experience as the team integrates fresh talent. Somoano's tenure includes a 3‑0 victory over Memphis in the previous year's meeting, a result that adds a layer of confidence to the upcoming encounter.
Memphis enters the contest fresh off a 2‑0 win at Belmont to open its own season, setting the stage for a clash that could shape early conference standings. The Tar Heels' blend of seasoned leadership and promising newcomers promises an engaging narrative for fans watching the broadcast on ESPN+.