Wake Forest’s men’s soccer squad entered the 2026 campaign with high hopes, opening the season with a 4‑2 victory over San Francisco on Aug. 20. Freshman Philip Biskupski celebrated his first collegiate goal in the 58th minute, while Jeffrey White added two goals and Ronnie Garcia contributed an assist. The team dominated possession, holding the ball for 61 percent of the match and out‑shooting the Dons 18‑14, a performance that hinted at the attacking firepower the Deacons could bring.
The momentum shifted just days later when the Deacons fell 1‑0 to Akron on Aug. 30. Despite holding the Zips scoreless for more than 83 minutes, a single strike proved enough to break the deadlock. The narrow defeat left Wake Forest at 1‑1‑1 and set the stage for a pivotal road test.
On Monday, Aug. 31, the Demon Deacons will travel to Bowling Green, Ohio, for the first ever meeting between the two programs. The match marks the fourth encounter with a Missouri Valley Conference opponent and represents the team’s first opportunity to secure a non‑conference road win since Oct. 15, 2024. Bowling Green arrives with a 1‑2 record after victories over Wright State and defeats to Duquesne and Indiana University‑Indy.
Coach and teammates alike view the Bowling Green clash as more than just a win; it is a chance to build confidence ahead of a demanding schedule that includes a high‑profile showdown with Duke on Sept. 5 at Spry Stadium. The game will be streamed live on ACCNX, giving fans a chance to follow the Deacons’ progress as they navigate a slate that features five teams ranked in the top 25 according to the United Soccer Coaches and TopDrawerSoccer polls.
Looking Ahead
With a blend of seasoned contributors and promising newcomers, Wake Forest aims to translate early-season lessons into consistent results. The upcoming schedule, peppered with marquee matchups and competitive conference rivals, will test the squad’s depth and resilience. As the Deacons prepare to face Bowling Green, the focus remains on executing their game plan, capitalizing on possession, and turning early chances into goals.