The George Washington University men's soccer team kicks off its 2026 season this week, marking the debut of new head coach Matt Watts. The team will play Old Dominion on Thursday at 2 p.m. and then travel to Binghamton on Sunday for a 1 p.m. match. With a mix of 13 new players joining 15 returning athletes, including standout goalkeeper Tom Macauley, GW aims for a successful start. Old Dominion, with a 1-3-5 record last season, seeks to improve this year under the leadership of fourth-year forward Lewis Rourke, while Binghamton has struggled, winning only four games last season.

By the Numbers
  • GW brings in 13 new players while retaining 15 from 2025.
  • Goalkeeper Tom Macauley led the A10 last season with 74 saves.
Yes, But

The Monarchs historically lead the series against GW, with a 1-6-1 record. Meanwhile, Binghamton's struggles last season position them as underdogs, picked to finish last in their conference.

State of Play
  • GW boasts an experienced squad with 14 seniors and graduate students.
  • Old Dominion is aiming to improve on last year's mid-table finish in the Sun Belt Conference.
What's Next

GW will look to establish momentum against ODU and Binghamton as they seek to build confidence early in the season. Their performance will be critical in setting expectations for the remainder of Watts' inaugural year.

Bottom Line

As the Watts era begins, GW's blend of experienced returners and new talent may redefine their competitive edge, but they'll need to confront historical rivalries and recent struggles head-on to make a mark this season.