A pivotal week for the Tigers
LSU Soccer will open its home schedule on August 20, welcoming UCF to LSU Soccer Stadium for a 7 p.m. CT kickoff. The encounter marks the sixth meeting in the all‑time series, a contest in which UCF holds a 2‑1‑2 edge, but the Tigers enter the game ranked No. 21 in the Top Drawer Soccer poll.
After a 2‑0 loss to Wake Forest to start the campaign, LSU rebounded with a 5‑0 victory over Northwestern State, showcasing an offense that has averaged 19 shots per game, 14 on target and 21 corner kicks across its first two matches. The Tigers’ recent form has lifted expectations, especially with senior forward Ava Galligan leading the preseason watchlists and appearing on the United Soccer Coaches 2026 Hermann Trophy list.
Key contributors include Galligan, who has already recorded 11 goals and four assists, alongside Ryann Denecour, who has three points, and midfielder Sariyah Bailey, who contributed two assists. Goalkeeper Audur Scheving has posted five saves with a .714 save percentage, providing stability between the posts.
The schedule does not ease after the UCF clash; the Tigers will host Florida Gulf Coast on August 23 before traveling to face Arizona State and Arizona next week. SEC competition begins September 11 against Tennessee, a slate that will test the depth and resilience of a roster that also features Allie Fryer, another name on the Hermann Trophy watchlist.