University of Houston Athletics
Wednesday, August 12
Fort Myers, Florida
6 PM CT
University of Houston
at
FGCU
Houston Soccer Opens 2026 Season at FGCU
8/11/2026 2:13:00 PM | Soccer
Cougar Soccer enters season two of the Ben Williams Era
FORT MYERS, Fla. — The University of Houston Soccer team opens season two of the Ben Williams Era when it faces FGCU at 6 p.m. CT Thursday at Pickering Field at the FGCU Soccer Complex.
ABOUT THE COUGARS
- The Cougars went 7-4-7 in Williams' first season, an improvement from a 4-12-1 record in 2024.
- Houston returns 14 players from the 2025 season including three players that missed last season due to injuries.
- Among those returning is All-Conference standout Samira Minor who earned a spot on the All-Big 12 Second Team and All-Big 12 Freshman Team after leading the Cougars with six goals.
- The Cougars return more than 70 percent of their production from last season as 24 of the team's 34 goals are back along with 62.5 percent of assists also returning.
- Houston welcomes 15 newcomers including eight transfers and seven freshmen.
- Five of Houston's opponents are featured in the United Soccer Coaches Preseason Poll — Vanderbilt (5), TCU (6), Kansas (15), West Virginia (20) and Memphis (21) — while Baylor received votes in the opening rankings.
- The Cougars face four opponents for the first time this season. Houston faces FGCU, Northwestern State, Abilene Christian and Vanderbilt for the first time in program history.
- Fifth-years Ella Morgan and Morgan Donohue along with junior Casey Maddox were voted captains for the 2026 season.
ABOUT FGCU
- FGCU is the reigning ASUN Graphite Division Champion.
- The Eagles return 14 players from the 2025 squad.
- All-Conference Selections Ryanne Robinson and Maderia Brome return for the Eagles.
- The Eagles went 11-5-2 in 2025.
HISTORY WITH FGCU
- This is the first meeting between Houston and FGCU.
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SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Soccer by purchasing tickets, providing NIL opportunities and by joining the Cougar Reserves which provides financial support directly to Houston Soccer for needs beyond its operating budget.
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STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarSoccer on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at UHCougarSoccer or on the team's Instagram page at @uhcougarsoccer.
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SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Soccer by purchasing tickets, providing NIL opportunities and by joining the Cougar Reserves which provides financial support directly to Houston Soccer for needs beyond its operating budget.
Â
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarSoccer on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at UHCougarSoccer or on the team's Instagram page at @uhcougarsoccer.
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− UHCougars.com –
Players Mentioned
Tuesday, October 28
Wednesday, October 01
Friday, May 09
Thursday, January 30