MONROE, La. – First-year ULM soccer coach Sean Fraser announced an 18-match slate for the upcoming 2020 season, featuring nine home contests at Brown Stadium.
"We're excited to have something to look forward to," Fraser said. "It's been a very unique time in the world, and we're thrilled that we can get back to doing what we love to do."
Before diving into regular-season action, the Warhawks will tune-up for the season with an exhibition match at Houston on Aug. 15. Fraser makes his official ULM head coaching debut on Aug. 21 at Southern. He will first coach the Warhawks in Brown Stadium on Aug. 23 when ULM plays host to Southeastern Louisiana.
The non-conference schedule continues with regional opponents highlighting the slate.
"Regional opponents are great," Fraser said. "They are a necessity and if it can work out, it is important to keep these 'rivalries' current because it gives everyone something specific to circle on the calendar."
The I-20 rivalry with Louisiana Tech is renewed Aug. 28 in Ruston. ULM opens a three-match homestand on Aug. 30 when it plays host to Grambling State. Central Arkansas visits Brown Stadium on Sept. 4, while Abilene Christian meets ULM for the first time on Sept. 6.
The Warhawks embark on a five-match road swing, starting Sept. 10 at Southern Miss. ULM will also visit McNeese State on Sept. 13 before starting Sun Belt Conference play.
"I hope we can learn as much as possible about our new team (in the non-conference)," Fraser said. "We didn't have much of an opportunity this spring, so the fall is going to provide some level of learning with the games and practices. We hope to continue growing as the season progresses."
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ULM will face schools from the western half of the Sun Belt Conference twice in a double round-robin format for its eight conference contests.
"Of course, there is a challenge in playing teams twice," Fraser said. "I like it though. Not just is it a financial solution and a safer solution, regarding travel and exposure, but I think the schedule being the way it is and playing teams twice is the most-fair way it can be done."
The Warhawks open Sun Belt action on Sept. 18 at Little Rock, and visit Arkansas State on Sept. 20 and the Ragin' Cajuns on Sept. 27.
ULM is then home for a season-long five-match homestand, beginning with Texas State on Oct. 2. The Warhawks begin their second trip through Sun Belt West Division opponents on Oct. 4 against Arkansas State. Little Rock visits Monroe on Oct. 11. The Ragin' Cajuns come to Monroe on Oct. 18. ULM will close out its home schedule on Oct. 22 in its final non-conference match, hosting Mississippi Valley State.
ULM ends the regular season with its final Sun Belt match at Texas State on Oct. 25.
