Charlotte Men's Soccer announced its 2026 slate this week, a 15‑match regular season complemented by two exhibition fixtures that together form a rigorous road to a repeat title. The announcement underscores the program’s ambition to build on the breakthrough 2025 campaign that delivered the first conference regular‑season crown since 2016.
Home openers under the lights
The first four contests will unfold at Jen Gaber Field, beginning with a home showdown against West Virginia on August 20, followed by a meeting with Wofford on August 24. The early slate also includes a home match against Vermont on August 28, giving the Niners a chance to start the season in front of their own fans before hitting the road.
Testing the non‑conference field
After the initial home stretch, the team travels to face Vermont, a squad that finished the previous season with a 14‑1‑5 record and the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, before returning to Charlotte for a September 3 clash with South Carolina, a game that promises revenge after a narrow 2‑1 loss a year ago.
Conference battles ahead
The conference schedule kicks off on September 11 when Florida Atlantic visits, a rematch of last season’s tiebreaker that secured the title for Charlotte. Subsequent home fixtures include a September 20 encounter with UAB at Jen Gaber Field, followed by a road trip to South Florida on October 11 and a home game against FIU on October 17.
Late‑season road tests
The campaign concludes with a series of away games against Tulsa, Memphis and Missouri State, each presenting a distinct challenge as the team looks to maintain momentum heading into the postseason.
Recognition and roster stability
Head Coach Kevin Langan’s staff will also benefit from the return of key contributors Ben Fisher, Samuel Manufor and Elias Arsvoll, who were instrumental in the 2025 triumph. Their performances earned individual accolades — Fisher was named Midfielder of the Year, Manufor Freshman of the Year, and Leonard Stritter garnered Goalkeeper of the Year honors — signaling a core that could sustain the program’s upward trajectory.