Abilene Christian
Little Rock
Soccer Begins Conference Play, Takes On New Opponent
9/23/2026 2:04:00 PM | Women's Soccer
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Wildcats will begin the second half of their season Thursday when they take on the Trojans from Little Rock in the 2026 conference opener.Â
The Wildcats look to use the momentum gained from the 5-0 victory over Texas Southern the past week into the conference opener. Sunday's game was the highest offensive output from ACU since the 2023 season, when they scored six goals against Prairie View A&M.
On the other side of the ball, the Wildcats also had a strong performance defensively against the Tigers. TSU recorded 15 total shots but only were on target for eight. Bella Medrano and Tavi Decker combined for ACU's fifth clean sheet of the season.Â
The Wildcat defense has been shining all season long, achieving four consecutive United Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week awards, with two straight going to freshman Audrey Coppinger.
This is the first time the two teams have met, but they will play in Abilene on Nov. 1, bookending the Wildcats' conference campaign. Little Rock joined the UAC on July 1, 2026, but made the move from the Ohio Valley Conference, rather than the WAC or ASUN like the other members.
The Trojans have started the season 2-4-1 and are winless at home through three games. However, the Wildcats are 0-1-1 in true road games, with the only win away from home coming in the neutral-site season opener against Jackson State.
ACU will then travel to Stephenville on their way home, stopping to play Tarleton State University on Sunday. The Texans have begun the season 2-2-5, with a 1-1-2 home record. They open their conference slate at Central Arkansas on Thursday.
The Texans' most recent game was against Texas Southern, which Tarleton won 2-1 for their first home victory.
The Wildcats and Trojans are scheduled to kick off at 6 p.m. Thursday at Coleman Sports Complex in Little Rock. The game will stream on ESPN+.Â
