Grand Canyon University's men's soccer program is preparing for a rigorous nonconference schedule that will test the team early and set the tone for the season. Head coach Jamie Davies announced the full slate of eight matchups, which blends road trips to elite programs with a concentrated home stretch that could prove pivotal.
The campaign opens on August 20 with a trip to Stanford, where the Lopes will meet the Cardinal in a marquee opening‑day showdown. From there, the team will return to Phoenix for five consecutive home games between August 28 and September 16, offering fans a rare opportunity to see the squad in action on familiar ground.
Notable opponents and recent form
Among the highlighted opponents are Houston Christian, UC Santa Barbara and California Baptist. Houston Christian posted an 11‑win season last year and finished second in the Ohio Valley, while UC Santa Barbara went 19‑10‑13 over the past two seasons and earned a berth in the 2024 NCAA Tournament. California Baptist, the 2025 WAC regular‑season champions, finished with ten victories and will provide a stern test of Grand Canyon's defensive organization.
After the nonconference run, the Lopes will transition into Mountain West competition, beginning with a home match against UNLV on September 26. The regular season will culminate on November 6 with a road game at Air Force, after which the Mountain West Championship will be held from November 10‑13, offering the team a chance to contend for a conference title in its inaugural year under Davies.
The full schedule features a blend of geographic diversity and competitive balance, with matches slated across California, Michigan, Texas, Nevada and Colorado. Each venue presents a unique environment, from the high‑altitude fields of Colorado Springs to the sun‑baked pitches of Southern California, promising a season filled with varied challenges and growth opportunities.