Monarchs Set Sail for a Washington Opener
The 2026 campaign for Old Dominion men’s soccer begins with a test on the road, as the Monarchs travel to Washington, D.C., to face George Washington University on Thursday, August 20, at 2 p.m. Eastern Time. The match will be streamed live on ESPN+ and will feature live statistics, giving fans a real‑time look at the team’s early chemistry.
ODU’s preseason schedule is designed to fine‑tune a squad that returns several key contributors. Forward Lewis Rourke, who earned a spot on the Preseason All‑Sun Belt team after a 23‑point season in 2025, headlines the attack, while midfielder Jake Lane, who ranked second on the team with ten points last year, provides additional firepower. Alongside them, Barrett Saul, Michael Eberle, Micah Wayland and Otu Bisong add depth and experience to the roster.
A year ago the Monarchs edged the Colonials 2‑0, with Lane’s goal setting the tone and assists from Micah Wayland, Michael Eberle and Alex Kryazhev sealing the win. That victory served as a confidence boost as the team moved into the offseason.
George Washington enters the new season under first‑year head coach Matt Watts, who has assembled a roster that includes returning goalkeeper Tom Macauley, a fourth‑year net‑minder who posted a 72.5 % save percentage and two shutouts in 2025, and forward Joel Russ, the team’s leading point producer with seven points from three goals and an assist.
The Colonials finished the previous campaign with a 2‑11‑4 record and went 0‑7‑1 in Atlantic‑10 play, a context that adds urgency to the opening encounter.
ODU’s next home fixture arrives on Monday, August 24, when Elon University visits for a 6 p.m. kickoff, followed by a Friday night showdown against Lehigh University on August 28 at 7 p.m. in Norfolk, Virginia.