A New Chapter for the Huskies
The University of Washington’s men’s soccer program enters the 2026 season as the reigning national champion, a status that has set high expectations for the squad.
On Thursday, August 20, at 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time, the Huskies will open their campaign at Husky Soccer Stadium against the San Diego Toreros, who arrive as the No. 18 team in the nation.
The matchup will be televised on the Big Ten Network, giving fans across the country a chance to witness the defending champions’ first test.
Championship pedigree and historic rivalry
Washington captured its first NCAA title in 2025 with a 3‑2 overtime win over NC State, completing a five‑game winning streak that defined the championship run.
The series against San Diego stands at a 1‑1‑1 record, the most recent meeting ending in a 1‑1 draw on September 4, 2024, underscoring the competitive balance between the programs.
Both teams have used preseason exhibitions — Washington against Western Washington and British Columbia, San Diego against UC San Diego and CSUN — to sharpen tactics before the opener.
Broadcast and stakes
The game will be carried live on the Big Ten Network, marking a key slot for soccer fans who follow the network’s expanding coverage of collegiate sports.
With the championship pedigree and a top‑ranking to defend, the Huskies are poised to make another deep run, while San Diego hopes to pull off an upset that could reshape early‑season rankings.