UNC Wilmington’s soccer team opened the 2026 season with a flawless 3‑0 record, and much of that early dominance can be traced to the emergence of senior goalkeeper Alex Kron. After transferring from Northern Kentucky, Kron delivered a career‑high eight saves in the recent matchup against Furman, a performance that not only secured a shutout but also earned him the Coastal Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Week award.
Kron’s effort was complemented by a solid defensive unit that recorded a total of ten saves, including two team saves, ensuring the goal remained untouched. His performance marked the second shutout of the season and underscored a defensive cohesion that has been absent for several years.
Joining Kron in the backline is Trey Smiley, a Preseason All‑CAA selection who also posted a clean sheet against Mercer earlier in the week. Smiley’s experience and consistent performances have provided the team with a reliable last line of defense, allowing the midfield and attack to play with greater freedom.
Looking Ahead to the CAA Opener
The Seahawks are set to host defending CAA Champion Elon on Saturday night at 7 p.m. in the conference’s opening fixture. The match will be streamed live on FloCollege, where fans can follow the action alongside real‑time statistics. A victory would not only extend UNCW’s unbeaten streak but also signal a strong start to their CAA campaign.
Historically, UNCW has not begun a season 4‑0 since 2018, a benchmark that adds extra weight to the current run. The team’s early defensive solidity, anchored by Kron and Smiley, suggests that the Seahawks could be poised to break that drought and contend for a top spot in the conference.