The Indiana State Sycamores are set to kick off their 2026 regular soccer campaign with a nonconference fixture against Western Illinois in Macomb, Illinois. The matchup marks the start of a season that promises fresh energy under head coach Paul Lawrence, who is entering his third year at the helm.
Building Momentum
Lawrence’s team finished the previous campaign with an 8‑6‑6 record, including a solid 4‑2‑3 mark in Missouri Valley Conference play. The Sycamores will look to capitalize on that foundation, especially after a 1‑0 preseason victory over Ball State where Madison Ziebarth struck the decisive goal.
A core group of returning attackers will anchor the offense. Junior forward Alex Lehnert led the Valley in scoring with nine goals and six assists last season, while Madison Ziebarth, who also found the net in the preseason exhibition, is expected to add depth. The attack also benefits from the return of Tori Angelo, Isabella Berta and Kaitlynn Long, who together accounted for four of the team’s top five goal scorers in 2025.
Defensively, the Sycamores retain key pieces such as Riley Mathews and Mackenzie Mills, while experienced players like Avery Oergel provide stability. Goalkeepers have also demonstrated readiness, posting a clean sheet in the Ball State preseason match.
Western Illinois’ Rebuilding Effort
Western Illinois is not starting from scratch. The Leathernecks bring back ten players from a season that ended 1‑17‑1, and they have added twelve newcomers to the roster. Despite a 1‑0 loss to Northern Illinois and a 1‑0 defeat against Quincy in preseason friendlies, the team is shaping a new identity under a revamped lineup.
Coach Paul Lawrence’s counterpart will rely on the continuity of returning veterans while integrating fresh talent. The blend of experience and new faces aims to turn the early setbacks into a competitive edge as the season progresses.
Both programs will use the Macomb encounter as a barometer for their respective trajectories. For Indiana State, it is an opportunity to showcase progress under Lawrence; for Western Illinois, it is a chance to prove that the rebuilding process is yielding tangible results.