The 2026 women's soccer season opens with a marquee matchup as the West Virginia University Mountaineers, currently ranked No. 22, welcome the No. 23 Penn State Nittany Lions to Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium on Thursday, August 20.
A rivalry steeped in history
This encounter marks the 26th meeting between the two programs, a series that favors Penn State with a 15‑7‑3 record. Over the past fifteen seasons the teams have met as ranked opponents on eleven occasions, underscoring the competitive balance that has developed since the early 2010s.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Eastern, and the stadium will be buzzing with more than just soccer. Organizers have planned a halftime trivia contest that celebrates international fans, while the first 250 attendees will receive a commemorative 30‑year jersey keychain.
Tickets are priced at $12 for adults and $8 for youth and seniors, with sales available online and at the gate. WVU students will now receive their tickets via mobile delivery through the WVUGAME.com platform, reflecting the university’s shift toward digital ticketing.
Coaches and key players
Penn State’s head coach Erica Dambach enters her twentieth season at the helm, a tenure that has seen the Nittany Lions capture multiple conference titles and advance to the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. This season, Penn State opens with a 0‑0‑1 record after a 2‑2 draw against No. 2 Notre Dame, a match in which forward Aubrey Kulpa contributed both a goal and an assist.
The upcoming game represents more than a simple conference clash; it is a test of momentum for a Penn State squad that finished the previous campaign with a 10‑8‑8 record and is looking to build on its early‑season performance. For West Virginia, the match offers a chance to climb the rankings and showcase the program’s growing strength on the national stage.
Fans can expect a lively atmosphere, competitive play, and a celebration of the sport’s growing global appeal as the Mountaineers and Nittany Lions renew their storied rivalry.