The Citadel soccer team kicks off its 2026 season with two home exhibition matches: facing UNCW on August 3 and USC Lancaster on August 5. Head coach Ciaran Traquair enters his 11th season, guiding a roster featuring 13 returners, six transfers, and seven freshmen. Key returning players include midfielders Samantha Grantham, Gabrielle Macer, and Adrianna Gill, along with several goalkeepers. The Bulldogs commence the regular season on August 12 against Queens, aiming to build on last year's performance as they compete in an 18-match schedule.

By the Numbers
  • 13 returning players, 6 transfers, and 7 freshmen on the roster.
  • Santos made 59 saves in 13 appearances last season.
State of Play
  • The Bulldogs are preparing for their initial exhibition matches this week.
  • The team is focused on evaluating player performance and team dynamics before the regular season.
What's Next

The team will assess its strengths and weaknesses during the exhibition games, aiming to solidify camaraderie and coordination ahead of the season's competitive play. The regular season starts on August 12, presenting an opportunity for the Bulldogs to demonstrate their development.

Bottom Line

As the Citadel soccer team gears up for the 2026 season, the blend of experienced returners and fresh talent positions them for a promising campaign. Monitoring player performance during the exhibitions will be crucial for their advancement in a challenging schedule ahead.