West Virginia University’s women’s soccer squad enters the 2026 season as the nation’s No. 7 team, fresh off a 2‑0 victory over Duquesne and a weather‑delayed win against Princeton that was ultimately called off.
The Mountaineers’ first test away from Morgantown will come on August 30, when they travel to West Point, New York, to face Army at 1 p.m. Eastern Time, marking the program’s inaugural road contest of the campaign.
Their only prior encounter with the Black Knights dates back to 2025, when WVU posted a 3‑0 win on home turf, setting a modest but encouraging precedent for the upcoming clash.
Sophia Nickel has been a catalyst for the offense, scoring the decisive goal in three straight games, including the recent triumph over Duquesne, and earning weekly accolades as both offensive and defensive player of the week.
Gianna Koss recorded her first goal of the season in the Duquesne match, while Olivia Shertzer and Tracy Chao were recognized as Big 12 Conference Players of the Week, highlighting the team’s depth and coaching impact.
Army arrives with a 2‑3 record, having dropped a 3‑0 decision to Monmouth on August 27, and will rely on goalkeeper Karalyn Dail, who has already logged 23 saves, and forward Kamryn McWhinney, who leads the offense with three goals.
Head coach Tracy Chao, now in her sixth year at the helm of the Army program, brings steady leadership as the Mountaineers prepare to test their early‑season form against a resilient opponent.
What’s at stake
The match offers WVU a chance to cement its top‑ten standing and build momentum before conference play, while Army seeks to prove it can compete with a nationally ranked side on home soil.
Both coaches have emphasized preparation and discipline, knowing that a single result could shape early season narratives for their respective squads.