Portland Pilots reveal 2026 men's soccer schedule
The University of Portland announced this week that its men's soccer program will open the 2026 fall campaign with a full slate of matches, ranging from early‑season exhibitions to a rigorous non‑conference schedule that pits the Pilots against some of the nation's top programs.
Among the highlighted fixtures is a showdown with the Washington Huskies, the reigning national champions, who will travel to Portland for a much‑anticipated opening contest on September 5.
A demanding non‑conference slate
The Pilots will also test themselves against the California Golden Bears, a team coached by former Pilots assistant Leonard Griffin, adding a narrative twist as Griffin returns to his former workplace.
A five‑game homestand begins on September 5 with the Wisconsin Badgers, followed by a home meeting with the Oregon State Beavers on September 13, giving fans a chance to see the team build chemistry on familiar turf.
Conference play kicks off in late September, with the Pilots hosting the LMU Lions on September 26 and the Saint Mary's Gaels on September 30, setting the tone for WCC competition.
Road tests and tournament outlook
The non‑conference road trip culminates with a visit to Ann Arbor to face the Michigan Wolverines, after which the Pilots will head to the West Coast for matches against the San Diego Toreros and the newly joined Denver Pioneers.
Additional road games include a trip to Seattle to meet the Seattle U Redhawks on October 21, and a final home match against the Santa Clara Broncos on October 24 before the team travels to the Bay Area for contests with the Pacific Tigers and the San Francisco Dons.
All of these games lead into the Western Collegiate Conference Tournament, scheduled for November 11‑14, a new event that promises high stakes and national exposure.
The announcement comes on the heels of a breakthrough 2025 season that saw the Pilots reach the Elite Eight and climb to a historic ranking, a momentum the coaching staff hopes to carry forward.
Eight players from the program have been selected in the MLS SuperDraft over the past three years, and three of those recent draftees have opted to return for the 2026 campaign, underscoring the program's growing appeal.