Philadelphia, PA – La Salle women's soccer head coach Paul Royal announced the team's 2026 schedule on Friday afternoon.

La Salle will travel to Monmouth for a season-opening exhibition on Aug. 5. The Explorers will kick off the regular season on Aug. 13 against American at McCarthy Stadium.

The month of August also features road matchups against national powerhouse Virginia (Aug. 20), who ended the 2025 season ranked third in the NCAA's RPI and eighth in the United Soccer Coaches Women's Top 25 Poll, as well as a road battle at Bucknell on Aug. 23.

La Salle will end August with a pair of home games at McCarthy Stadium against Drexel (Aug. 27) and Columbia (Aug. 30).

Non-conference play concludes with a road game at Lafayette (Sept. 3), a home game against Howard (Sept. 6), and a road matchup at Lehigh (Sept. 10).

Atlantic 10 play begins on Sept. 19 with a home game against Davidson. The Explorers will have their first conference road game at Loyola Chicago (Sept. 24) before returning to Philadelphia to face Rhode Island (Sept. 27).

October's home slate features conference matchups against Richmond (Oct. 8), Saint Louis (Oct. 22), and the regular season finale against Duquesne (Oct. 31). The Explorers will also have four conference road games in October, battling Dayton (Oct. 2), VCU (Oct. 11), Fordham (Oct. 18), and George Mason (Oct. 25). 

The Atlantic 10 tournament will run from Nov. 6-Nov. 15.

"As we begin a new season, our staff couldn't be more excited for what's ahead," Royal said. "One of our greatest strengths heading into this season is our continuity. Returning 23 players while welcoming just six newcomers gives us a strong foundation built on experience and chemistry. We're excited to see our leadership continue to grow while integrating the newcomers. The experience and fresh energy positions us well for the challenges and opportunities ahead this fall."

During the 2025 season, the Explorers reached the Atlantic 10 quarterfinals, marking their 12th postseason appearance under Royal. The Explorers will also return  their top five goal scorers. 

Rylee Henson, the team's leader in assists in 2025, and Justyce Hollenbach, the team's leading goal scorer last season, were named team captains for the 2026 campaign. Ella Cadigan and Jaci Gismondi were named co-captains.