A New Chapter for the Colonels
Under the bright lights of Gettler Stadium, the Eastern Kentucky University women's soccer squad will unfurl its 2026 schedule with a much‑anticipated road test against the University of Cincinnati. The match, slated for Wednesday night at 7 p.m. ET, marks the first of what coaches hope will be a season defined by momentum and ambition.
The Colonels arrive with a pedigree that has been building over the past few years. After posting a 10‑4‑5 record a season ago, the team finished No. 66 in the NCAA RPI, the highest ranking in program history, and was unanimously selected by league coaches to capture the inaugural United Athletic Conference title. Their recent home dominance — going unbeaten on their own turf and posting a 7‑0‑3 stretch — sets a confident tone for the opening contest.
Guarding the net will be sophomore sensation Jordan LeVasseur, who earned UAC Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year honors and a spot on the United Soccer Coaches 2026 Goalkeepers to Watch List. LeVasseur’s 89.8 % save rate and 115 stops last season underscore his emergence as a defensive anchor. Complementing his efforts in midfield is Chiara Premoli, the Italy‑born playmaker whose eight assists in 2025 and career‑record assist numbers have earned her a second straight All‑South Region nod and a place on the Midfielders to Watch List.
Cincinnati, meanwhile, brings a different narrative into the fold. Under head coach Erica Demers, the Bearcats finished 5‑8‑6 last year, slipping to a 3‑6‑2 mark against Big 12 opponents. The team has yet to claim a win over EKU, holding a 4‑0 edge in the all‑time series, with the most recent encounter ending 2‑1 in Cincinnati’s favor back in September 2018. Demers will look to leverage home‑field advantage and a fresh tactical approach to break that streak.
Beyond individual storylines, the matchup carries broader implications for the young United Athletic Conference. A strong showing by EKU could cement its status as a conference frontrunner, while a victory for Cincinnati would signal a competitive balance that bodes well for the league’s future. Fans on both sides are eager to see how the early‑season narrative unfolds, with the Colonels hoping to translate preseason expectations into tangible results on the field.