The Virginia women's soccer team is set to open its preseason with an exhibition match against Maryland on August 5 at Klöckner Stadium in Charlottesville, Virginia. The kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m., and the game will be streamed live for fans who want to catch a glimpse of the squad before the regular season begins.
Admission to the contest is free, and supporters are encouraged to bring their own snacks, as the venue will not enforce a bag policy and no concessions will be available on site.
A deep look at the Cavaliers' revamped lineup
Virginia enters the match with a No. 11 preseason ranking from United Soccer Coaches, a testament to the momentum built after a 2025 NCAA Tournament run that saw the team advance to the Round of 16. The roster returns 20 players from last season, including All‑Region goalkeeper Victoria Safradin, midfielder Addison Halpern and forward Liv Rademaker, all of whom earned ACC All‑Freshmen honors a year ago.
The Cavaliers will also showcase eight newcomers, a blend of five freshmen — Mackenzie Mize and Kyndal Shuler among them — and three transfers: Gio Canali, Faith Broering and Reese Mattern. Each of these players brings a different skill set that could reshape the team's dynamics heading into the fall.
The preseason slate is ambitious, featuring ten opponents that reached the NCAA Tournament last year, with six of those contests slated for home turf at Klöckner Stadium. This schedule not only tests the squad early but also gives fans multiple opportunities to see the new‑look team in action before the official season kicks off.
Beyond the on‑field storylines, the exhibition serves as a community gathering, allowing supporters to experience the program’s culture without the usual financial barriers. With free entry and a relaxed atmosphere, the match promises to be a vibrant kickoff to what many expect to be a competitive season for the Cavaliers.