A new era for the Explorers
The La Salle women's soccer team will open its 2026 regular season at home against American on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at McCarthy Stadium, marking the beginning of the program's 41st campaign.
Head coach Paul Royal, now in his 24th year at the helm, brings a legacy of 226 career victories, three Atlantic 10 tournament titles and a track record of guiding the Explorers to the NCAA Tournament.
This season the Explorers will be led on the field by captains Rylee Henson and Justyce Hollenbach, who bring experience and leadership to a squad that finished last year with a 7‑8‑3 record and a quarterfinal appearance.
Returning standouts include Ella Cadigan, who contributed three goals and an assist while ranking second on the team with 25 shots, and Kayden Williams, a 2025 A10 All‑Rookie selection who recorded five assists and tied for third with four goals. Also returning is Alexis Garcia, a 2025 A10 All‑Academic honoree who scored five goals and amassed 12 points.
The team's history adds extra intrigue: La Salle and American last met on September 6, 2013, with the Explorers prevailing 3‑2 in overtime, and since 1997 they have gone 16‑9‑4 in season‑opening games, including a seven‑game winning streak from 2007 through 2013.
Despite a preseason Atlantic 10 poll that placed them eighth, the Explorers hope their strong opening tradition and depth of talent will propel them higher as they chase another successful campaign.