# UNC women's soccer season start

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/unc-womens-soccer-season-start
> Updated: 2026-08-19T19:29:20.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

The University of North Carolina women’s soccer team began its season as the No. 8 ranked program, hosting Fairfield University for its season opener at Dorrance Field. The Tar Heels entered the campaign with a No. 1 ranked recruiting class consisting of 12 freshmen and three transfers. The roster also features several players on the MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List, such as Summer Denigan and Izzi Stratton.

Due to U-17 Women's National Team training camp commitments, Amari Manning and Deus Stanislaus were noted as unavailable for the first two matches of the season. Following the opener, the Tar Heels secured two shutout victories against Fairfield and Quinnipiac. Top scorer Bella Devey was named the ACC Offensive Player of the Week after scoring five goals in those first two matches. The team, led by head coach Damon Nahas, moved into a road matchup against Arkansas.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-19: UNC Men's Soccer draws with No. 5 Georgetown in season opener

The UNC men's soccer team opened their 2026 season with a 1-1 draw against No. 5 Georgetown, while Delaware and UNC Asheville also secured opening-day victories.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-carolina-womens-soccer-faces-arkansas-in-road-match

### 2026-08-12: UNC Women's Soccer hosts Fairfield for season opener

No. 8 UNC women's soccer hosts Fairfield University for their season opener this Thursday at Dorrance Field, marking the first meeting between the two programs.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/unc-womens-soccer-hosts-fairfield-for-season-opener

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Cite as: UNC women's soccer season start. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/unc-womens-soccer-season-start