The East Carolina Pirates are set to begin the 2026 campaign with a pair of road tests that will gauge the team’s readiness for a season that promises to be competitive.
Season Opener Details
Both matches are slated for 6 p.m. Eastern time, with the first against Liberty on Thursday, August 13, followed by a Sunday showdown against UNCG on August 16, and they will be streamed live on ESPN+.
A Milestone for the Program
First‑year head coach Emily Buccilla becomes the first woman to lead the Pirates’ soccer squad, adding a new narrative to the team’s identity and bringing a fresh tactical vision.
Buccilla can lean on a core that returns its top four point producers from last year — Caitlen-Star Dolan Boodram, Isabella Gutiérrez, AJ Mayock and Alyssa Tucker — who combined for 40 points and will be key to the attack.
All three were recognized on the American Conference Preseason Watch List, underscoring the expectations placed on them to drive the offense.
Opponent Outlook
Liberty arrives as the defending CUSA champion, having posted a 14‑4‑4 record in 2025 and earning a preseason poll prediction to finish first, while also placing five players on the preseason all‑conference team.
UNCG, by contrast, finished a modest 4‑12‑3 a year ago, but will be anchored by Rina Ogimoto, a SoCon preseason all‑conference selection who contributed six goals and 14 points.
The Pirates hold a slight edge in the all‑time series against UNCG, leading 5‑4‑0, and they captured the most recent meeting 2‑1 in 2024.
Looking Forward
After the two road games, East Carolina will host Campbell on August 20, kicking off a three‑match homestand that could shape the early standings and provide a chance to fine‑tune the lineup before conference play.