Vanderbilt soccer has decided to open the public access portion of the pre-season early in 2026. The annual Black vs Gold contest comprises of a number of on- and off-field contests ranging from silly party games to competitions at practice that culminates in an intrasquad match. Until this season, this has been a closed doors contests. Kickoff is set for 6 PM Central from the Vanderbilt Soccer/Lacrosse Complex.
With no other preseason exhibitions announced, this may be the only chance to see the Commodores in action for free. Vanderbilt has made soccer a ticketed sport in 2026. Before anyone is too sad, the price is still very reasonable. A season ticket is $50 for all 10 home matches. Single match tickets are $7 each ($10 after taxes and fees) except Florida which is $ 1 ($1.97 after taxes and fees).
Full previews for positions will follow next week in the lead up to the August 12th season opener at home against SMU. From a broad view, Vanderbilt returns plenty of firepower with an attack led by SEC Forward of the Year and leading scorer Sydney Watts and SEC All-Freshman team member and US U-19 WNT representative Olivia Stafford. The midfield has All-SEC 1st Teamer Courtney Jones and All-SEC Freshman Reagan Pentz back. Defensively, Mary Beth McLaughlin and Margo Matula both played over 2,000 total minutes on the season.
Only goalkeeper is a serious question mark with SEC Goalkeeper of the Year and All-American (3rd Team by TopDrawer Soccer and 2nd Team by United Soccer Coaches) Sara Wojdelko gone. Like the football team, this position battle between 2025 backup Alexa Gianoplus, 2025 3rd choice Kennadie Marchand, UCLA transfer Layla Armas, and incoming freshman Kellyane Dumas. Today’s scrimmage may give us some idea of where that competition stands.
Unsurprisingly, there is no stream or broadcast for tonight’s scrimmage. I will give some updates as I will be in attendance. Please fire off some questions about the team that I can both answer tonight through commentary and as I get into the position previews in the upcoming week.