Penn State Women's Soccer kicks off its 33rd season against No. 2 Notre Dame on August 16, 2026, aiming for head coach Erica Dambach's 300th career win. The game takes place at Alumni Stadium in South Bend, Indiana, marking a significant matchup in the Nittany Lions' schedule after a 10-8-3 season and a 31st consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. The contest also signifies the beginning of Penn State's 10-year partnership with adidas, introducing a new era for the program. Notre Dame, coming off a strong 2025 season, opened the 2026 campaign with a 0-0 draw against Samford and is ranked second in preseason polls.

By the Numbers
  • Penn State finished the 2025 season with a 10-8-3 record.
  • Notre Dame entered the 2026 season with a 15-2-3 record in 2025.
State of Play
  • Penn State finished sixth in the Big Ten preseason coaches poll.
  • The Nittany Lions have garnered three Big Ten Player to Watch recognitions.
What's Next

After the matchup with Notre Dame, Penn State will look to gain momentum heading into the rest of their season, needing to build off this challenging opening game to aim for improved standings in the Big Ten.

Bottom Line

This matchup against a top-ranked team could serve as a pivotal early season test for Penn State, with critical implications for the team's confidence and NCAA Tournament aspirations moving forward.