Opening Match Preview
The University of Richmond women's soccer squad will kick off the 2026 season on August 16 at 2 p.m., hosting Wofford at President's Field along the River Road campus. The contest will be broadcast live on ESPN+, giving fans an early chance to follow the team's progress.
A look back at the previous season reveals a team that finished with a 4-7-7 overall record while posting a 1-5-4 mark in Atlantic 10 play. Despite the modest win total, the Spiders recorded six shutouts, highlighted by three consecutive clean sheets against Rhode Island, Loyola Chicago and Saint Joseph's.
Key contributors from that campaign return to the lineup. Forward Emma Newman, an Atlantic 10 All‑Rookie honoree, led the offense with six goals, 14 points and 43 shots in 2025. In goal, Veronica Rrapi posted a 0.88 goals‑against average and contributed six shutouts, anchoring a defensive unit that allowed just 17 goals all season.
Head coach Adam Denton begins his fourth year at the helm, surrounded by new assistants Errin Stanton and Jesse Newton. Their combined experience adds depth to a coaching staff eager to build on the program's recent progress.
The 2026 Atlantic 10 preseason poll positioned Richmond 12th among conference teams, with Dayton leading the vote at 188 points. While the ranking reflects modest expectations, the coaching staff and players view the poll as a baseline for competition.
The upcoming encounter will mark only the second meeting in program history with Wofford, the first of which resulted in a 1-0 victory for Richmond in 2025. A win would not only add another chapter to the series but also provide an early morale boost as the team seeks to climb the conference standings.