LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The ULM soccer team is opening the season on Thursday (Aug. 13), traveling to face Little Rock at 6 p.m. With a new coach at the helm, the Warhawks look to make an impact in the 2026 season.

SCOUTING THE TROJANS –
Last season, the Trojans went 7-4-7 on the season, with an undefeated 5-0-5 record in OVC play. After securing the two-seed in the OVC Tournament, Little Rock fell to Lindenwood to conclude the season. Forward Maria Schuller was named the OVC Forward of the Year and United Soccer Coaches All-South Region recognition, now returning for another season. Schuller was also named to the Hermann Trophy Preseason Watchlist to kick off 2026. Two other All-OVC players make the return for the Trojans in Candice Kilderry and Emily Nahon.

SEASON OPENER – 
ULM Soccer opens the season on the road for the first time since 2023. The Warhawks hold an 9-15-3 record in their season openers, an 5-12-3 record when opening the season on the road. Three of the last five season openers have been shutouts in favor of ULM. 

SERIES VS. LITTLE ROCK – 
This is the 27th meeting between the Trojans and the Warhawks. The first meeting between the two teams was the first season of ULM Soccer in 1999, in which the Warhawks fell to Little Rock, 3-0. Little Rock leads the series with a 17-9 record, but the Warhawks claimed the most recent win, a 2-1 victory last season, continuing a two-match win streak for ULM. When playing in Little Rock, the Trojans hold a 9-3 edge.

NOW AT THE HELM –
The Warhawks have welcomed a new head coach in the fold this season in Antony Blackburn. Blackburn arrives in Monroe from Baton Rouge, where he spent three seasons as an analyst and assistant coach for LSU. He brings a wealth of experience internationally as well, as the academy head coach for Valencia CF and Sunderland AFC in his career.

GUESS WHO'S BACK –
ULM soccer has brought back 10 players from the 2025 roster for another season, including two 2025 all-conference honorees. Three fifth-years make the return in Ines de Lope Casanova, Lucia Gomez and Bernadett Stefan, Stefan returning from injury after missing the 2025 season. The lone fourth year to return is Stacey Qosja, who recorded an assist last season. Both all-conference returners returning are in their third season, in goalkeeper Jen Handy and defender Beth Strutton. Anna Roldaan, Amy Sharkey, Maria Thania Gealon and Rylee Methvin also return for second years in Monroe.

NEW ON THE BAYOU –
Coach Antony Blackburn has brought in 13 newcomers for the 2026 season. Nine true freshmen enter the ring in defender Teresa Jacobsen, defender Maria Torres, midfielder Georgie Knott, defender Sophie Alderman, defender Luena Ferreira, forward Charli Harris, forward Angela Moreno, defender Taylor O'Rear, defender Kelly Rodman and midfielder Victoria Vinals. Transfers are welcomed to Monroe in forward Jade Bowé (Texas State), goalkeeper Maria Heuman (Alcorn State) and midfielder Jenni Huttunen (Franklin Pierce).

O CAPTAINS OUR CAPTAINS –
ULM Soccer has named two team captains this season: defender Beth Strutton and midfielder Lucia Gomez. Strutton enters her second season as a captain, also earning the role in 2025. Strutton was an all-conference selection last season, holding down the Warhawk defense and recording three goals and two assists. Gomez earns the title in her second season with the Warhawks.

LOOKING AHEAD –
ULM returns home to Monroe for its home opener on Sunday (Aug. 16), facing Alcorn State. The Warhawks will take on the Braves at 1 p.m. in Brown Stadium.