WINFIELD, Kan. — The Southwestern College men's soccer team will open the 2026 season Thursday, Aug. 27, against Northwestern College at Richard L. Jantz Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
The Builders enter the season after two preseason scrimmages and will look to build on a 2025 campaign that ended with a 10-9 overall record.
Southwestern enters the new season with several new faces on the roster while also returning key players from last year's team.
Bernabe Lopez returns after starting nine of 15 matches last season. Nicola Antiglio also returns to the back line after starting every match and leading the Builders with 1,609 minutes played.
Adrian Gimenez brings additional experience to the defense after starting 18 matches last season. Denis Martinez will also return in the midfield after starting 16 of 17 matches and playing an important role for Southwestern throughout the 2025 season.
Northwestern will also be playing its first regular-season match of the year after competing in a preseason scrimmage. The Raiders finished last season with a 14-1-3 overall record.
Senior goalkeeper Edoardo Alessandrini returns for Northwestern after starting 17 matches and recording 46 saves last season. Junior Gorka Ilundain also returns after logging 1,453 minutes in 2025.
With both teams beginning their regular seasons Thursday night, the matchup will provide an early test for a Southwestern team looking to bring together its returning experience and new additions.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Richard L. Jantz Stadium.
