Soccer To Open 2026 Regular Season At Marshall

SCHEDULE (Links to live video & stats)

MOREHEAD, Ky. – Morehead State women's soccer will open its regular season in Huntington, W.Va., where they will face rival Marshall at 7 p.m. ET, this Thursday, at Hoops Family Field. This will be the fourth season in a row in which Marshall is the first opponent. The match will be shown on ESPN+.

Marshall leads the series 9-1-3, but last time MSU played in Huntington, W.Va., the match finished in a 1-1 tie. 

The Eagles fell 3-0 to Marshall at home last season, but stacked home victories against Austin Peay, Miami (OH) and Western Illinois. The Eagles have found the home pitch to be friendly in the past three seasons in which they've earned nine victories. 

Head Coach Paul Cox, who will be kicking off his third season, highlights his excitement for the upcoming season.

"We've been in a lot of good work this preseason and prepared really well in our exhibitions," he said. "Marshall is a top program who will give us a tough test. We are ready to kick off this 2026 campaign."

This season's team will feature 17 returnees and nine newcomers. The newcomers include four transfers and five freshmen. 

Sophomore defender Faith Peper earned OVC All-Newcomer last year and was highlighted as a 2026 OVC Player to Watch. As a freshman, she saw action in 18 games, starting 17, recording two goals on 15 shots, with eight coming on frame. Peper is quite the utility player, playing every position except goalkeeper. 

Senior defender Hannah Burke was also highlighted as an OVC Player to Watch. Burke had a team-best three assists last fall, in addition to playing in 16 games, starting 13 and finishing with four shots, including two on goal. Over her career, she has played 51 games, starting 43.

Burke outlines her optimism for the upcoming game and start to the season.

"I'm very excited for the season opener against Marshall," she said. "I think it'll be a great game to help set the tone for the season ahead!"

Marshall finished its 2025 campaign with a 8-5-4 record under the leadership of Head Coach Rafa Simoes. Marshall finished in the top half of the conference with a 4-2-4 conference record in which it fell to Louisiana-Monroe in the conference tournament. 

Following Thursday's match, the Eagles will kick off their home schedule with a 1 p.m. start time against Brescia (Ky.) on Sunday, August 16. 

Sunday's match will be New Student Day. Fans and students can come celebrate Move-In Weekend with a fun-filled game day experience. 

Many exciting game-day activities are set for the home matches this season. For more information, click on the PROMOTIONS page.