A canine‑friendly showdown in Morgantown
The West Virginia University women's soccer squad, currently sitting at No. 22 in the national rankings, will open its season at home against Duquesne on Sunday, August 23, kicking off at 1 p.m. ET on the familiar turf of Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium in Morgantown.
The contest is part of WVU's annual Dogs at Dlesk celebration, a tradition that invites fans to bring leashed pets to the match, provided they present a signed waiver and proof of vaccination.
Organizers are sweetening the occasion with a pet bandana giveaway for the first 150 dogs that arrive, while single‑game tickets are priced at $12 when purchased online, $12 for adults, and $8 for youth or seniors who buy at the gate.
Starting with the 2026 campaign, student tickets for Olympic‑sport events will be delivered exclusively through the mobile platform WVUGAME.com, a shift that reflects the university's move toward digital ticketing.
The upcoming meeting will mark the 15th chapter of a series that heavily favors the Mountaineers, who hold a 12‑0‑2 edge over the Dukes. The two programs first met in 1996, playing to a 1‑1 overtime stalemate that remains the only blemish on WVU's otherwise perfect record against Duquesne.
Duquesne's head coach, Jessica Giegucz, enters her second season at the helm after guiding the team to a 12‑5‑2 record in 2025. The Dukes opened the current campaign with a 3‑0 victory over Cleveland State on August 20, 2026, a performance that featured four different goal scorers and five assistants.
Goalkeeper Ali Hughes has already logged seven saves this season, underscoring a defensive foundation that could prove pivotal against a WVU attack led by a talented but unnamed roster.
Beyond the on‑field storylines, the Dogs at Dlesk event promises a festive atmosphere, blending collegiate soccer with a community‑focused dog‑friendly environment that has become a hallmark of Morgantown's early‑season sports calendar.