Utah Valley men's soccer kicks off its 2026 season by hosting Pacific, marking head coach Michael Chesler's debut after nine years as an assistant. Both teams feature new head coaches, creating a competitive atmosphere for the opener. The match takes place Thursday at 7 p.m. MDT, with Gates opening at 6 p.m. MDT.

By the Numbers
  • Utah Valley has a perfect 12-0 record in home openers.
  • The Wolverines have outscored opponents 38-7 in home openers, averaging 3.17 goals per game.
State of Play
  • The Wolverines return six starters and have added 11 newcomers with collegiate experience.
  • Senior goalkeeper Kolby Sessions tied the single-season shutout record last year and ranked 34th nationally in save percentage.
What's Next

After the Pacific match, Utah Valley will host Central Arkansas on Monday at 5 p.m. MDT, followed by the women's soccer team facing Utah State later that evening.

Bottom Line

This season marks a pivotal moment for Utah Valley as they aim to build on past successes while introducing a new coaching strategy and player dynamics.