VILLANOVA, Pa. – A packed home schedule of 11 regular season matches headlines the 2026 Villanova Men's Soccer slate, which was announced earlier today.
 
The Wildcats, who last season posted a six-win improvement from 2023 (7-6-5 overall), are set to begin their third season in the tenure of head coach Mark Fetrow. Fetrow previously served the program as Associate Head Coach from 2015-22.
 
"The 2026 schedule reflects the type of season we want to have," said Fetrow. "Every match presents an opportunity to prepare our team for the challenges that come with competing in the BIG EAST, which continues to be one of the toughest and most competitive conferences in college soccer.
 
"We were intentional about building a strong non-conference schedule while also giving our players the opportunity to compete in front of our fans by playing the majority of those matches at home. We believe this schedule will challenge our group, help us continue to grow throughout the season, and put us in the best position to compete when conference play begins."
 
Villanova will open its regular season on Thursday, Aug. 20 at the Higgins Soccer Complex with a Philly Soccer Six clash with Temple at noon. The 'Cats will then host St. Peter's in a non-conference clash on Monday, Aug. 24.  It then visits 2025 Ivy League champion Princeton on Friday, Aug. 28.
 
In September, the 'Cats will welcome a trio of non-league foes to West Campus to begin the month, including Fordham, NEC champion FDU on Labor Day, and Howard. BIG EAST play begins on Friday, Sept. 18 at St. John's (7 p.m.), which earned an at-large bid to the 2025 Men's Soccer Championship. Soccer Six rival Drexel – where Fetrow began his head coaching career – comes to Villanova for a Soccer Six matchup on Sept. 22.
 
Another 2025 NCAA participant kicks off the October home schedule when UConn visits the 'Cats on Oct. 3 in the BIG EAST home opener. Eight days later Providence will be at the Higgins Soccer Complex with a 1 p.m. kickoff. Defending BIG EAST champion Georgetown will be on campus on Saturday, Oct. 24 followed by BIG EAST associate member Akron, which makes its first appearance at the Higgins Soccer Complex on Oct. 31 to conclude the home portion of the slate.
 
The BIG EAST regular season comes to an end on Friday, Nov. 6 at Seton Hall.