2026 Schedule Announcement Marks New Era for Charlotte 49ers
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte revealed its 2026 women's soccer schedule, confirming a 17‑match regular season that begins on August 13 at home against Furman at Jen Gaber Field. The announcement marks the first time the program will open a campaign against a Southern Conference opponent in over a decade.
Before the first official contest, the 49ers will stage two in‑state exhibitions, facing Appalachian State and Queens University of North Carolina, providing a final tune‑up before the grind ahead.
The non‑conference portion of the slate pits Charlotte against a host of programs that enjoyed double‑digit victories last season, including Furman, Radford, NC State, USC Upstate and Liberty. In addition, the team will test itself against NCAA tournament qualifiers such as Furman, Radford, Mississippi State and UNCW, setting the stage for a challenging early stretch.
Conference play kicks off on September 17 with a matchup against Florida Atlantic, and the 49ers will also host North Texas and the reigning American Conference Tournament champion UTSA in September. October brings a gauntlet of opponents — Tulsa, ECU, Memphis and USF — that will test the squad’s depth and resilience.
The regular season will stretch into November for the first time in program history, concluding on November 3 at home against Temple. Shortly thereafter, the American Conference Tournament will unfold in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, from November 8 through 14, offering the 49ers a chance to capture a berth in the national tournament.
Postseason Ambitions
Headlining the roster are 18 returning players, among them All‑Conference selections Evie Craven, Harlee Head and Rory Brown, who bring experience and leadership. The incoming class adds 11 newcomers, including six transfers and five freshmen, several of whom arrive from overseas, promising fresh energy and tactical versatility.
Coach Megan Bradley, who has guided the program through recent breakthroughs, expressed confidence that the demanding schedule will forge a competitive mindset heading into the postseason. With a blend of seasoned veterans and promising talent, the 49ers aim to extend their recent success and return to the NCAA tournament after a strong 2025 campaign.
The upcoming tournament in Florida represents more than a chance at a title; it is an opportunity for the 49ers to prove that their rigorous regular‑season schedule has prepared them for the national stage. Fans and alumni alike are eager to see whether the team can translate its regular‑season momentum into a deep run.