Western Kentucky University’s soccer program will open its 2026‑27 campaign with a public preseason friendly on Wednesday, August 5, at 6 p.m. CT, when the Hilltoppers host Murray State at the WKU Soccer Complex. The match is free for all fans and marks the first of two exhibition games before the team’s official opener.
A second preseason test follows on Friday, August 7, when WKU travels to face Samford, giving the coaching staff another chance to fine‑tune tactics and chemistry ahead of the highly anticipated season debut.
The Hilltoppers will finally step onto the competitive stage on Thursday, August 13, when they welcome Missouri to the same venue for a 7 p.m. CT kickoff, ushering in the first official matches of the new season.
Last year the squad finished with a 9‑5‑3 overall record and an unbeaten 6‑0‑2 mark in Conference USA, capturing the league’s regular‑season championship and showcasing a defense that limited opponents to just 0.86 goals per game.
Returning Stars and Honors
Midfielder Georgia Liapis, the 2025 C‑USA Midfielder of the Year, will anchor the midfield after a nine‑goal season, while forward Makenna Egan, the conference’s 2025 Freshman of the Year, looks to build on her five‑goal tally.
Defender Abby Wiedermann earned a spot on the 2025 All‑C‑USA first team, underscoring the back line’s stability, while the entire roster brings back 17 players who contributed to the previous campaign’s success.
On the other side, Murray State enters the exhibition under first‑year head coach Ben Madsen, who guided the Racers to a 10‑4‑5 record in 2025. Star forward Kate Hardy, who led the team with six goals last season, returns, as does starting goalkeeper Griselda Revolorio, promising a competitive test for the Hilltoppers.
Fans can expect a lively atmosphere at the Soccer Complex, where the free admission policy is designed to boost community support and generate early momentum for what promises to be a promising season for both programs.