A packed 2026 campaign kicks off with exhibition
Head Coach Derek Burton unveiled the complete 2026 schedule for the SIUE women's soccer program, a slate that promises a blend of early‑season challenges and a rigorous conference run. The announcement underscores the team's ambition to build on recent progress and to give fans a full slate of home action at Korte Stadium.
The season will open with an exhibition match at the University of Illinois at Chicago on August 5, followed by the regular‑season debut on the road against Alabama A&M on August 12. A highly anticipated home opener against Valparaiso is set for August 16, launching a stretch of three consecutive home games that will test the Cougars early in the campaign.
Beyond the opening stretch, the non‑conference portion includes road trips to face Drake, SIU Carbondale and Missouri State, while the home side will also host Indiana State and Blackburn. These matchups provide a diverse set of opponents and an opportunity for the team to fine‑tune strategies before stepping into conference play.
The Ohio Valley Conference schedule begins on September 27, when Eastern Illinois visits Korte Stadium, marking the start of an eight‑team league campaign. The Cougars will navigate a full round‑robin format, culminating in the OVC Championships in November, where all eight conference schools will compete for the title.
Coach Burton emphasized that the schedule is designed not only to test the team but also to showcase the program's growth and community engagement. With eight home contests slated for Korte Stadium, the 2026 season offers ample opportunities for fans to support the Cougars as they aim for a strong finish in the conference tournament.