The University of Evansville men's soccer team is set to start its 2026 season by facing Bellarmine in Louisville on Thursday, at 6 PM Central. Under coach Robbe Tarver, the Aces have seen a resurgence, boasting an 18-12-11 record over the past two seasons, including a notable NCAA Tournament appearance in 2024. The squad returns 10 impactful sophomores and adds 18 newcomers, focusing on continuing their recent success. The matchup marks the sixth consecutive season that Evansville and Bellarmine have opened against each other, with the series currently tied.

By the Numbers
  • Evansville has a record of 18-12-11 over the past two seasons.
  • The Aces earned a share of the MVC regular season title for the first time since 1994.
  • Bellarmine finished the 2025 season with an 8-4-5 record.
State of Play
  • Evansville's sophomore class includes notable performers like Devin Shepherd, who ranked 51st in Top Drawer Soccer's Freshman Top 100.
  • The Aces welcome 18 newcomers, including 8 freshmen and 4 Division I transfers.
What's Next

After the opener against Bellarmine, Evansville aims to build momentum as they navigate their season while integrating new players into their system. Key matches in the MVC will be critical for maintaining their top contender status.

Bottom Line

As Evansville kicks off its season, the team's growth and recent achievements highlight their potential to compete at a high level, making this a pivotal year for the program. It's essential for the Aces to leverage both returning talent and new faces to capitalize on their promising trajectory.