Thursday, August 13
USAFA, CO
6 p.m. MT
Air Force Academy
vs
Army
Women's Soccer Hosts Army in 2026 Season Opener
8/12/2026 3:20:00 PM | Women's Soccer
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo., - Air Force women's soccer will begin the 2026 season at Cadet Soccer Stadium with a highly anticipated service academy matchup against Army on Thursday August 13 at 6 p.m. MT.
MEDIA
Watch - MW+
Watch Air Force Athletics on the new MW+. To become a subscriber, click HERE.
Live Stats - StatBroadcast
BASE ACCESS
Access procedures at the U.S. Air Force Academy continue to affect athletic events. While the installation remains open, anyone without a DoD ID card must obtain a visitor pass to enter the base at this link.
ALL-TIME VERSUS ARMY
Air Force has faced Army 22 times since the series began in 1992, when the Falcons dropped the inaugural meeting at home. Army leads the all-time series, 11-9-2, including a 2-1 victory over Air Force at West Point in 2025. Air Force's lone goal in last season's matchup came from 2025 graduate Eleanor Musgrove. At Cadet Soccer Stadium, the series record is tied at 3-3.
2025 RECAP
The Falcons enter the new season following a historic 2025 campaign that included their first Mountain West Tournament appearance since 2017 and the highest tournament seed in program history. Air Force also captured its best regular-season conference finish since 1995, produced the program's first Mountain West Coach of the Year, and its second Mountain West Player of the Year.
Air Force finished with an overall record of 8-7-4 and a conference record of 6-2-2. Across the season, the Falcons scored 31 goals and logged 26 assists for 88 points. Out of 254 shots, 112 were on goal for a .441 shot on goal percentage. Defensively, the trio of goalkeepers combined for 87 saves, a .750 save percentage, and three shutouts.
PRESEASON FUN
Prior to the start of the 2026 season, the Falcons traveled west to face Southern Utah in an exhibition match, battling to a 0-0 draw. Despite neither team finding the back of the net, Air Force showcased strong tactical play and controlled possession for much of the match.
The trip also provided valuable time for team bonding, particularly for the freshmen, who had been released from Basic Cadet Training just days earlier. In addition to competing on the pitch, the Falcons explored Zion National Park and participated in several friendly competitions, including a cook-off and a dance competition.
FAMILIAR FACES
Air Force returns 21 veterans to the 2026 roster, including five seniors, six juniors and 10 sophomores. Head coach Laura Busby praised the depth of the roster and the return of so many impactful players.
The senior class of Chase Borntreger, Ava Carpentier, Addie Doyle, Kendall Rippley and Lauren Steinlage has been instrumental to the Falcons' success throughout their careers. Rather than naming official captains for the season, the team has embraced a shared leadership model, with match-day captains selected as needed. The approach has allowed the veteran group to collectively set the tone and foster a strong team culture.
The junior class features Jordan Dillingham, Gianna Gigliotti, Annika Jost, Mai Mateaki, Sophia Taylor and Maddy Walsh, while the returning sophomores include Melissa Araujo, Nai'a Garana, AJ Heap, Ayla Janssen, Ella Johnson, Sammi Kinoshita, Trishelle Lopez, Ellie McCarron, Sydney Nelms and Nalei Shannon.
NEWCOMERS
The Falcons welcome nine total newcomers, eight freshmen and one sport transfer, to the 2026 squad.
C1C Clara Teigland had previously been a member of the women's basketball team (2023-24) before joining the track and field team following the conclusion of basketball season. Teigland competed in the outdoor 100m and 400m hurdles and marked the Academy's eighth-fastest 400m hurdle time at the Mountain West Championships during the 2024-25 season. For indoor season, she ran the 55m hurdles, 60m hurdles, 200m dash, and 400m dash.
The Class of 2030 is made up of Kambree Duker, Maeve Gayer, Sadie Hartman, Isabella Hazel, Olivia Jackson, Maddie Lund, Rian Sandhu, and Ashley Yenawine. Of these eight, five are midfielders, two are goalkeepers, and one is a defender. As of now, the freshmen class is adjusting well, meshing with the returners, and will play vital roles in the success of the Falcons this season.
A LOOK AT THE BLACK KNIGHTS
Army is coming off a successful season for their program, with an overall 2025 record of 14-6-2, and a Patriot League mark of 5-3-1. The Black Knights won their first PL title since 2011 after beating Boston U 3-2 in the Championship game and earned the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 14 years. In the first round of play, they fell 2-0 to Penn State. The Black Knights return 19 players and added eight freshmen to the roster.
MEDIA
Watch - MW+
Watch Air Force Athletics on the new MW+. To become a subscriber, click HERE.
Live Stats - StatBroadcast
BASE ACCESS
Access procedures at the U.S. Air Force Academy continue to affect athletic events. While the installation remains open, anyone without a DoD ID card must obtain a visitor pass to enter the base at this link.
ALL-TIME VERSUS ARMY
Air Force has faced Army 22 times since the series began in 1992, when the Falcons dropped the inaugural meeting at home. Army leads the all-time series, 11-9-2, including a 2-1 victory over Air Force at West Point in 2025. Air Force's lone goal in last season's matchup came from 2025 graduate Eleanor Musgrove. At Cadet Soccer Stadium, the series record is tied at 3-3.
2025 RECAP
The Falcons enter the new season following a historic 2025 campaign that included their first Mountain West Tournament appearance since 2017 and the highest tournament seed in program history. Air Force also captured its best regular-season conference finish since 1995, produced the program's first Mountain West Coach of the Year, and its second Mountain West Player of the Year.
Air Force finished with an overall record of 8-7-4 and a conference record of 6-2-2. Across the season, the Falcons scored 31 goals and logged 26 assists for 88 points. Out of 254 shots, 112 were on goal for a .441 shot on goal percentage. Defensively, the trio of goalkeepers combined for 87 saves, a .750 save percentage, and three shutouts.
PRESEASON FUN
Prior to the start of the 2026 season, the Falcons traveled west to face Southern Utah in an exhibition match, battling to a 0-0 draw. Despite neither team finding the back of the net, Air Force showcased strong tactical play and controlled possession for much of the match.
The trip also provided valuable time for team bonding, particularly for the freshmen, who had been released from Basic Cadet Training just days earlier. In addition to competing on the pitch, the Falcons explored Zion National Park and participated in several friendly competitions, including a cook-off and a dance competition.
FAMILIAR FACES
Air Force returns 21 veterans to the 2026 roster, including five seniors, six juniors and 10 sophomores. Head coach Laura Busby praised the depth of the roster and the return of so many impactful players.
The senior class of Chase Borntreger, Ava Carpentier, Addie Doyle, Kendall Rippley and Lauren Steinlage has been instrumental to the Falcons' success throughout their careers. Rather than naming official captains for the season, the team has embraced a shared leadership model, with match-day captains selected as needed. The approach has allowed the veteran group to collectively set the tone and foster a strong team culture.
The junior class features Jordan Dillingham, Gianna Gigliotti, Annika Jost, Mai Mateaki, Sophia Taylor and Maddy Walsh, while the returning sophomores include Melissa Araujo, Nai'a Garana, AJ Heap, Ayla Janssen, Ella Johnson, Sammi Kinoshita, Trishelle Lopez, Ellie McCarron, Sydney Nelms and Nalei Shannon.
NEWCOMERS
The Falcons welcome nine total newcomers, eight freshmen and one sport transfer, to the 2026 squad.
C1C Clara Teigland had previously been a member of the women's basketball team (2023-24) before joining the track and field team following the conclusion of basketball season. Teigland competed in the outdoor 100m and 400m hurdles and marked the Academy's eighth-fastest 400m hurdle time at the Mountain West Championships during the 2024-25 season. For indoor season, she ran the 55m hurdles, 60m hurdles, 200m dash, and 400m dash.
The Class of 2030 is made up of Kambree Duker, Maeve Gayer, Sadie Hartman, Isabella Hazel, Olivia Jackson, Maddie Lund, Rian Sandhu, and Ashley Yenawine. Of these eight, five are midfielders, two are goalkeepers, and one is a defender. As of now, the freshmen class is adjusting well, meshing with the returners, and will play vital roles in the success of the Falcons this season.
A LOOK AT THE BLACK KNIGHTS
Army is coming off a successful season for their program, with an overall 2025 record of 14-6-2, and a Patriot League mark of 5-3-1. The Black Knights won their first PL title since 2011 after beating Boston U 3-2 in the Championship game and earned the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 14 years. In the first round of play, they fell 2-0 to Penn State. The Black Knights return 19 players and added eight freshmen to the roster.
Players Mentioned
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/ Women's Soccer
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/ Women's Soccer
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/ Women's Soccer
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/ Women's Soccer
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/ Women's Soccer
D/M
/ Women's Soccer
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/ Women's Soccer
GK
/ Women's Soccer
D
/ Women's Soccer
M
/ Women's Soccer
D
/ Women's Soccer
F/M
/ Women's Soccer
M
/ Women's Soccer
D
/ Women's Soccer
D
/ Women's Soccer
M
/ Women's Soccer
M
/ Women's Soccer
GK
/ Women's Soccer
GK
/ Women's Soccer
M/F
/ Women's Soccer
M
/ Women's Soccer
M
/ Women's Soccer
GK
/ Women's Soccer
F
/ Women's Soccer
M
/ Women's Soccer
M
/ Women's Soccer
D/M
/ Women's Soccer
M
/ Women's Soccer
F
/ Women's Soccer
F/M
/ Women's Soccer
M
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