The Portland State Women's Soccer Team kicked off its fall practice with the aim of improving upon last season's fourth-place finish in the Big Sky Conference. Under third-year Head Coach Maureen Whitney, the Vikings are gearing up for the 2026 season, set to begin on August 13 against Oregon. With 15 returning players, including key contributors like Grace Sarabia and Aliayha Saldana, the team's experienced roster brings promise for the upcoming season. Last year, the Vikings solidified their defensive strengths, allowing only five goals in conference play, and aim to build upon that performance. The squad's success will hinge on their ability to maintain defensive excellence while bolstering offensive contributions, especially with the return of forward Elle Frazier.

By the Numbers
  • The Vikings posted a record of 4-9-4 in 2025, finishing 3-3-2 in conference play.
  • Portland State returns 15 letterwinners, including 11 seniors, ahead of a 17-match regular season.
Yes, But

While the team's defense was strong, the loss of key goalkeeper Natalie Cunningham presents a challenge for the upcoming season. The team must also integrate new players from transfers to bolster both defensive and offensive strategies effectively.

State of Play
  • The Vikings are embarking on daily training sessions in preparation for their first match on August 13.
  • They will face a tougher Big Sky schedule with nine conference matches due to the addition of new teams.
What's Next

The Vikings are expected to leverage their experienced roster to enhance their standings in the conference during the 2026 season. Coach Whitney may need to evaluate the goalkeeping situation closely to identify the best options for a solid defensive foundation.

Bottom Line

The Vikings must capitalize on their seasoned lineup and previous defensive successes to improve their overall performance in the 2026 season. Failing to address the goalkeeping transition could hinder their progress and ultimately impact their conference positioning.