Villanova Women's Soccer kicks off the 2026 season with matches on the road against Syracuse and Lehigh. The first game is scheduled for August 13 at 7 p.m. against Syracuse, followed by a match on August 16 at 3 p.m. against Lehigh. Last season, Villanova finished with a record of 9-8-1, marking their best performance in six years. The team returns a strong roster, including key players like Avrie Nelsen, who was the BIG EAST Freshman of the Year, and goalkeeper Hannah Dickinson.

By the Numbers
  • Villanova finished the 2025 season with a 9-8-1 overall record and ranked fifth in the BIG EAST.
  • Hannah Dickinson recorded 8 shutouts and had a .964 goals against average during the 2025 season.
Yes, But

Despite returning a majority of their scoring talent, Villanova has historically struggled against ACC teams, having not won any of their last 15 matchups against the conference since 2013.

State of Play
  • The Wildcats travel for eight games this season, marking a shift from recent years of home openings.
  • Villanova is projected to finish fifth in the BIG EAST, the highest forecast since 2013.
What's Next

Following the two opening matches, the Wildcats will aim to leverage their returning talent and positive momentum for a stronger overall season, potentially improving upon last year's conference performance.

Bottom Line

With a solid returning roster and improved preseason projections, Villanova Women's Soccer is poised to build on last season's achievements, but overcoming historical challenges against stronger conference opponents will be crucial for their success.