Season Opener Preview
Georgetown University's women's soccer team will host Fordham at Shaw Field on August 13, 2026, marking the start of the 2026 season. The match will be streamed live on ESPN+, with a companion stats feed available on GUHoyas.com.
The Hoyas enter the campaign fresh off a 2025 season that ended with a 16‑4‑3 record and a perfect 10‑0 run in BIG EAST play. Their 14‑year streak of NCAA Tournament appearances continued last year, culminating in a third‑round finish, and they are currently slotted No. 14 in the United Soccer Coaches Preseason Top 25.
Head Coach Dave Nolan, now in his 23rd year, brings a career record of 300‑98‑69 to the program. This season the roster features 16 returning letterwinners, two transfer additions and seven freshmen, providing a blend of experience and new talent.
Key returnees such as Kaya Hanson and Lizzie Heller have earned preseason recognition, both being named to the All‑BIG EAST Preseason Team. Heller, a two‑time All‑BIG EAST honoree, will look to build on her early collegiate success, while Hanson adds depth to the midfield.
Fordham's Outlook
Fordham arrives with a 10‑7‑3 overall record from 2025 and a 5‑4‑1 mark in Atlantic 10 competition. The Rams will be led by Mercedes Renata, the 2025 Atlantic 10 Co‑Rookie of the Year and a member of the All‑Rookie Team, who returns as a central figure in the attack.
Magnus Nilerud, in his fifth season as Fordham head coach, emphasizes continuity and development, hoping to translate the program's recent progress into a stronger start this year.
The two schools previously met in 2001, when Georgetown secured a 2‑0 victory in the ECAC Championship, adding a historical footnote to the upcoming encounter.
Looking ahead, Georgetown is scheduled to face Stanford at Laird Q. Cagan Stadium on August 20, 2026, setting up another early‑season test for the Hoyas.