Public Scrimmage Marks New Era
The Commodores are set to begin their 2026 campaign earlier than ever, staging a Black‑vs‑Gold intrasquad scrimmage at 6 p.m. Central on Thursday at the Vanderbilt Soccer/Lacrosse Complex. The event marks the first time the annual contest is open to the public, giving fans a rare glimpse of the team before the season officially opens.
With soccer now a ticketed sport for the 2026 season, the scrimmage serves as a preview of what fans can expect behind the turnstiles. Single‑match tickets will cost $7 — rising to $10 after taxes and fees — except for the highly anticipated Florida game, which will be priced at $1 ($1.97 after fees). Season tickets are available at $50 for ten home dates.
Attacking Threats
Among the attackers, senior forward Sydney Watts, the SEC Forward of the Year, will lead the charge alongside freshman sensation Olivia Stafford, who earned SEC All‑Freshman honors last year. Their presence adds excitement to an already deep attacking pool.
Midfield and Defensive Options
Midfield options appear equally promising, with All‑SEC First‑Team selection Courtney Jones paired with freshman All‑SEC honoree Reagan Pentz. Defenders Mary Beth McLaughlin and Margo Matula, each of whom logged over 2,000 minutes last season, are expected to anchor the back line.
Goalkeeper Competition
The goalkeeper position, however, remains unsettled. After Sara Wojdelko, a former SEC Goalkeeper of the Year, departed, the staff will evaluate 2025 backup Alexa Gianoplus, third‑choice Kennadie Marchand, UCLA transfer Layla Armas, and incoming freshman Kellyane Dumas in a battle that could shape the team’s early results.
No live stream or broadcast will be available for tonight’s scrimmage, but the performance of the candidates may provide early clues about who will ultimately guard the posts. The season opener is slated for August 12 against SMU at home, and full position previews will be published next week.