Fairfield University has once again been crowned the preseason favorite in the Metro Women’s Soccer Coaches’ Poll for 2026, collecting 164 points from 13 head coaches and earning nine first‑place votes. The announcement marks the second consecutive year the Stags have held the top spot, underscoring their dominance in the conference.
Adding to the excitement, Sacred Heart’s midfielder Shea Kelleher was named the Preseason Player of the Year. Kelleher, who finished fifth in the conference with six assists and fourth with 22 points last season, also earned All‑Championship and All‑Conference Second Team honors after leading the Pioneers to a championship‑winning run.
Fairfield’s recent pedigree includes a perfect 10‑0‑2 conference record in 2025, a 15‑2‑2 overall mark, and a championship victory over Quinnipiac in 2024. The program boasts eight conference titles and has appeared in 13 Metro tournaments, positioning it second only to Loyola University in all‑time titles.
The 2026 tournament will feature six teams in a single‑elimination format, with matches kicking off on November 8 and culminating in the title game on November 15. Higher seeds will host each round, and the bracket will be reseeded after every match, adding a layer of strategy to the knockout stage.
Sacred Heart sits second in the poll with 153 points and three first‑place votes, while Quinnipiac follows in third with 146 points and a single first‑place vote. Canisius University and Siena University are tied for fourth, each receiving 118 points.
A notable storyline from last season saw the No. 4 seed Canisius upset top‑seeded Fairfield in the semifinals, then defeat No. 3 Canisius in a penalty shootout to claim their first championship. That surprise run highlighted the competitiveness of the field and set a high bar for the upcoming event.
Tournament outlook
With the schedule set and the poll results in hand, coaches and players alike are gearing up for a November showdown that promises dramatic moments and a fresh champion. The reseeding format rewards early victories with advantageous positioning, ensuring that every match carries significant stakes.