A Milestone Matchup
The Bulldogs will open their 2026 campaign against the University of North Alabama on August 15 at 1 p.m., a meeting that marks the first-ever matchup between the two schools. The game will be played at Greenwood Soccer Field in Asheville, North Carolina, and will be streamed live on ESPN+ with live stats available through StatBroadcast on RoarLions.com.
UNA’s original season opener against East Tennessee State University was washed out by rain on August 12, forcing the team to shift focus to this new opponent. The Lions, who finished the previous season with a 2‑2 draw against the Wofford Terriers, will look to build on that result as they test themselves against a program known for its defensive strength.
UNC Asheville entered the season ranked seventh in the Big South preseason poll, a reflection of the optimism surrounding a roster that includes junior defender Campbell Stoll and midfielder Manuela Schreier, both named to the Big South Preseason Players to Watch List. The Bulldogs also saw Maleigh Dawson net an equalizing goal in the 90th minute during their season‑opening draw, showcasing the team’s resilience.
UNA arrives with a strong defensive pedigree, having posted a program‑best 12 goals allowed in 2025 and earning a Division I record 111 saves from goalkeeper Madison Vukas, who finished the season with a goals‑against average of .624. Vukas’s performance helped the team secure nine clean sheets and a second‑place finish in the UAC, while defender Adelyn Speight was crowned UAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, the first Lion to earn that honor in Division I history.
The defensive excellence of Speight, who also earned Second‑Team All‑ASUN honors alongside Hannah Guthrie, sets a high bar for the upcoming contest. The Lions will host Union University on August 19 at 7 p.m., continuing a busy early‑season schedule that promises competitive matchups.
Fans can follow the action through live stats on RoarLions.com and watch the broadcast on ESPN+, which will also stream the game for viewers beyond the stadium. With both teams eager to make an early statement, the August 15 encounter promises to be a memorable debut for the new rivalry.