The University of Wisconsin men’s soccer team is set to begin its 2026 season with two home contests at the McClimon Soccer Complex in Madison. The opening match against Saint Mary’s (California) is scheduled for Thursday at 7 p.m. Central Time, followed by a Sunday afternoon game versus Oakland at 2 p.m.
New faces bolster the roster
Wisconsin added ten new Badgers during the offseason—four true freshmen and six transfers. Among the transfers are goalkeeper Judewellin Michel, who spent his freshman year at Indiana and appeared in five matches with a 3‑1‑1 record, and forward Luke van Heukelum, who arrives after three productive seasons with Maryland, tallying 27 points (10 goals, 7 assists) in 43 games.
Leadership on the field
Head coach Neil Jones enters his fifth year at the helm, carrying a career record of 27‑24‑13 (.523). He guided the Badgers to an 8‑8‑0 (.500) finish in 2025. For the second consecutive year, senior defenders Ellis Jones and Will Smith will serve as team captains. Jones, a Madison native, has started at center‑back in every game he has played for Wisconsin. Smith, also from Whitefish Bay, contributed in 12 matches last season as a redshirt sophomore and is expected to provide a steady voice on the back line.
First matchup: Badgers vs. Saint Mary’s
The Thursday game marks only the fourth meeting between Wisconsin and the Saint Mary’s Gaels in program history. The teams last faced each other in 1999, when the Badgers won 5‑1. Saint Mary’s finished the previous season with a 2‑8‑6 overall record and a 2‑5‑2 mark in the West Coast Conference. Sophomore midfielder Cameron Kobey earned a spot on Top Drawer’s WCC Preseason Watch List.
Second matchup: Badgers vs. Oakland
Sunday’s contest will be the fourth meeting between Wisconsin and the Oakland Golden Grizzlies. Their most recent encounter came in 2009, when the Badgers prevailed 1‑0. Oakland concluded the 2025 season with a 3‑9‑6 overall record and a 3‑3‑3 record in Horizon League play.
Looking ahead
With a blend of seasoned leaders and fresh talent, the Badgers aim to improve on last year’s .500 finish. Fans can expect an exciting start to the season at McClimon, where the team will look to build momentum for conference play and beyond.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
