Opening Match Preview
The 2026 Lindenwood women's soccer team will begin its campaign with a home opener against Bellarmine University on Thursday, August 13 at 7:00 p.m. at Dave Steward Field in St. Charles, Missouri. The match marks the first of what coaches expect to be a competitive season, with the Lions looking to capitalize on a strong home‑field advantage.
Head coach Dave Musso, now in his ninth season, returns a squad that has won 10 games in consecutive years and posted a 30‑31‑16 record since entering Division‑I in 2022. Musso's tenure includes an Ohio Valley Conference Tournament title in 2024 and more than 50 career wins, giving the program a stable foundation as it moves into the Atlantic Sun Conference.
The roster features nine returning starters, among them five All‑OVC selections: Mackenzie Compton, Tasneem Dizdarevic, Rachel Jackson, Allison Schrumpf, and Alysse Lamb. Offensively, Anna Johnson led the team with 12 points and five goals last season, while Compton contributed 11 points as a sophomore. Adding depth, the team welcomed five newcomers, including transfers Sam Steele from Idaho State and Addie Dea from Creighton.
Bellarmine arrives with its own momentum, having finished the previous season 11‑6‑3 and ranking fourth in the ASUN for goals scored. The Bruins boast two preseason All‑ASUN honorees, notably goalkeeper Anna Jenkins, who earned Goalkeeper of the Year honors. Their recent performance suggests a formidable challenge for the Lions in the season opener.
Following the Bellarmine match, Lindenwood will travel to face the Saint Louis Billikens on Sunday, August 19 at 1:00 p.m. The team enters that road test with a 1‑0 all‑time record against Bellarmine, having secured a victory in Louisville during the 2019 season.