Thursday, August 20
Seattle, Wash.
7:00 p.m. PT
University of Washington
vs
San Diego
Huskies Begin Title Defense On Thursday Against No. 18 San Diego
August 19, 2026 | Men's Soccer
SEATTLE - The reigning national champions begin their title defense on Thursday night against No. 18 San Diego. It's one of the most anticipated matches of opening day, featuring two top-20 teams at Husky Soccer Stadium.
Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. on Big Ten Network with A.J. Kanell and Aaron Heinzen on the call. Live stats will be available at HuskyStats.com.
TITLE DEFENSE OPENS AGAINST SAN DIEGO
The Huskies open the 2026 season against No. 18 San Diego on Thursday.
The game is one of the most anticipated of opening day, featuring two top-20 teams. Washington, the reigning national champions are set to face off against the four-time WCC champion (2022-25).
TOP DRAWER PLAYERS
Three Huskies were named in the Top Drawer Soccer Preseason Best IX.
Harrison Bertos was named to the first team, Zach Ramsey claimed a spot on the second team, and Alex Hall earned a third team selection.
Bertos also came in at No. 3 in the TDS preseason player rankings, with Ramsey at No. 12 and Alex Hall at No. 27.
BIG TEN PLAYERS TO WATCH
Harrison Bertos, Alex Hall, and Zach Ramsey were each picked as Big Ten Players to Watch. The trio played a pivotal role in the team's success a season ago, leading Washington to 16 wins, 54 total goals scored, and the pinnacle of college soccer.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON BERTOS AND HALL
Harrison Bertos and Alex Hall were each named to the United Soccer Coaches Preseason Players to Watch list. Bertos was one 20 players named in the preseason list that recognizes defenders while Hall was named to the preseason midfielder list.
Bertos was instrumental in leading the Huskies to the 2025 national championship, anchoring a stout defense in the postseason while scoring two goals across six postseason games, including the OT winner in the national championship match.
Last season, Bertos was named a United Soccer Coaches Third Team All-American, All-Big Ten First Team, a Top Drawer Soccer Top 100 Player (No. 9), the Top Drawer Soccer National Player of the Week (Oct. 7), a two-time Top Drawer Soccer National Team of the Week (Oct. 7; Dec. 1), and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week (Sept. 30).
Hall was instrumental to the Huskies' success in 2025. A dangerous creative force in the midfield, Hall was fourth on the team with 18 total points, stemming from five goals and eight assists. His assist tally was the second-most on the team and two of his goals during the season were match winners.
Hall was named an All-Big Ten First Team selection in 2025 and also claimed on Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week award. Hall bagged the third goal in Washington's 3-1 win over Maryland in the NCAA Tournament, helping send the Huskies to the College Cup.
He then provided an assist in the semifinal, spurring the Huskies to the national championship match. Hall played in every match a season ago, making 17 starts along the way.
TOP DAWGS
The Huskies were selected as the top team in both the United Soccer Coaches and Top Drawer Soccer preseason polls.
Thanks to the national championship victory, Washington has topped the United Soccer Coaches poll for the first time in program history. The Huskies finished the 2025 season with a 16-6-2 record and 54 goals scored, the most of any team in the NCAA a season ago.
PICKED TO TOP THE BIG TEN
The reigning national champions were tabbed the top team in the Big Ten this preseason as announced by the conference on Tuesday morning. Washington leads the way, followed by Maryland, Indiana, UCLA and Michigan in the top five.
It's no surprise the Huskies are picked as the top team in the conference. Washington is coming off its most successful season in history, which culminated with the 2025 national championship, the first title for the program.
PERUVIAN EXCURSION
Washington had the trip of a lifetime this summer, heading to Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu in the offseason. Washington began the trip with five days in the Andes mountains, exploring the rich history of the Incan capitol in Cusco and at the ancient city of Machu Picchu. Then, the Dawgs headed to Lima for the FISU international collegiate games.
The Huskies won the bronze medal and went undefeated in the the preseason tournament.
FIVE HUSKIES SELECTED IN MLS SUPERDRAFT
Five Huskies were selected in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft, headlined by No. 8 overall selection Richie Aman by DC United. The MAC Hermann Trophy Finalist becomes the fifth Top-10 selection for the Huskies in the last five years.
Zach Ramsey was the second Husky off the board, going to the Vancouver Whitecaps at No. 17 in the first round. Joe Dale was next, going to the Seattle Sounders at the 51st overall pick in the second round.
Asher Hestad came off the board just five picks later, going to the Colorado Rapids with the 56th overall pick. Connor Lofy rounded out the draft class for the Huskies as he was selected with the 89th pick in the third round by Vancouver.
The five draft selections from Washington are the most of any team in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft. It's also the most draft picks Washington has had selected since 2022 when five Huskies were also picked.
Of the five picks, three are returning to Washington for the 2026 season. Ramsey, Hestad, and Lofy will once again suit up for the Huskies this fall.
ROAD DAWGS
Washington is the only team in NCAA history to win the title after six consecutive tournament games away from home. The Huskies defeated Oregon State, SMU, Stanford, and Maryland all at their opponents' home fields before winning two neutral site matches in the College Cup.
The Huskies became just the second team ever to advance to the College Cup after four road victories in the NCAA Tournament in 2025. UMBC was the first to achieve the feat in 2014, ultimately falling in the semifinal round to Virginia.
PAIR OF ALL-AMERICANS
Richie Aman was named a first team United Soccer Coaches All-American while Harrison Bertos was selected to the third team. Aman was named a first team selection while Bertos was named to the third team. It's the fifth time in program history that the Huskies claim multiple All-America awards in a single season. All five occasions have happened under the direction of Jamie Clark.
Aman has been a key offensive force for Washington, tallying 13 assists and four goals for 21 total points. He's already been lauded as the Big Ten Midfielder of the Year, a First Team All-Big Ten selection, and a semifinalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy.
Bertos has anchored a stout Husky defense that has recorded nine shutouts this season, including two 1-0 NCAA Tournament victories over ranked opponents. Bertos has also chipped in three goals, including two game winners, while earning First Team All-Big Ten honors.
ALL-REGION HONORS
Five Huskies were honored as United Soccer Coaches All-Region selections, the organization announced on Tuesday. Richie Aman and Harrison Bertos headlined the list as first team honorees, Jadon Bowton and Charlie Kosakoff were named second team selections, and Alex Hall rounded out the group as a member of the third team.
The five selections are the most Washington has had since 2022. Aman and Bowton are also both two-time selections after earning the All-Region honor in 2024.
CONSISTENCY IS KEY
With Washington's 2025 tournament win over SMU, the Huskies claimed their 12th win of the season, marking the 12th occasion in Jamie Clark's 15 years on Montlake the team has won at least 12 games. It's also the 12th time Clark has led the Huskies into the NCAA Tournament.
Prior to 2025, the last time the Huskies advanced past the second round of the NCAA Tournament was in 2021 when Washington made its first-ever trip to the NCAA Championship match.
HOMEGROWN TALENT
Washington's roster features 20 of 29 players who hail from the state of Washington. Four players claim Seattle as their hometown (Asher Hestad, Noah Newman, Cameron Cruz, and Jaeger Felton), two are from Redmond (Egor Akulov and Zach Ramsey) and two others call Kirkland home (Zack Meier and Connor Lofy).
Of Washington's nine out of state players, four hail from California (Nate Chandler, Jake Goetting, Nick O'Brien, and Ibrahim Rashad), and one each from Oregon (Callum Lugton), Massachusetts (Harrison Bertos), Utah (Stockton Short), Texas (Osato Enabulele, and Missouri (Wyatt Lewis).
NEWCOMERS ON MONTLAKE
The Huskies welcomed 12 newcomers this season. Eight of the fresh faces are first year players while four are transfers.
Joining Washington as first years this fall are Shaun Brun (West Seattle, Wash.), Nate Chandler (Pleasant Hill, Calif.), Jordy Dierks (Lake Forest Park, Wash.), Anthony Garcia (Wenatchee, Wash.), Jake Goetting (Berkely, Calif.), Harper Mikolasy (Woodinville, Wash.), and Noah Newman (Seattle, Wash.).
Emmett Layman (Point Loma Nazarene), Callum Lugton (Syracuse), Stockton Short (Utah Tech), and Wyatt Lewis (Notre Dame) make up the 2026 transfers.
POSTSEASON REGULARS
Washington has become a common name in the NCAA Men's Soccer Tournament. In the last 15 years, the Huskies have reached the tournament 12 times. Washington is also one of three teams to reach the College Cup twice in the last five years (Notre Dame & Clemson).
Only Washington and Clemson have reached the championship game twice in the last five years.
CREAM OF THE CROP
In 15 seasons on Montlake, Jamie Clark has orchestrated the meteoric rise of Washington men's soccer, distinguishing the team as one of the nation's top college soccer programs. Clark has led the Huskies to a record of 190-72-41, three Pac-12 titles, 12 trips to the NCAA Tournament and a national championship in 2025. Of those postseason appearances, Clark's Huskies have made five trips to the NCAA Quarterfinals, including three straight NCAA Quarterfinals appearances from 2019-21 and two College Cup runs in 2021 and 2025.
Clark currently ranks eighth in winning percentage among active head coaches with a .696 percentage in 18 career seasons.
CLARK EXTENDS STAY
After guiding the Huskies to their first national championship in program history, head coach Jamie Clark signed an extension at the University of Washington, keeping at the helm of UW Men's Soccer through 2032.
Clark has distinguished Washington as one of the premier programs in the nation, guiding the Huskies to 10 second round appearances, five quarterfinals, two College Cups, two national championship matches, and one national title in 2025.
The Huskies rewrote the college soccer record book in 2025, becoming the first team in history to win the title with six straight NCAA tournament victories away from home. Washington took down Oregon State, No. 5 SMU, No. 12 Stanford, No. 4 Maryland, No. 16 Furman, and No. 15 NC State en route to the trophy
In Clark's 15 seasons on Montlake, the Huskies have advanced to the national tournament 12 times. In 2021, Clark guided the Dawgs to a national runner up finish, at the time the best result in program history, while also tying the program record for wins in a season with 18.
Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. on Big Ten Network with A.J. Kanell and Aaron Heinzen on the call. Live stats will be available at HuskyStats.com.
TITLE DEFENSE OPENS AGAINST SAN DIEGO
The Huskies open the 2026 season against No. 18 San Diego on Thursday.
The game is one of the most anticipated of opening day, featuring two top-20 teams. Washington, the reigning national champions are set to face off against the four-time WCC champion (2022-25).
TOP DRAWER PLAYERS
Three Huskies were named in the Top Drawer Soccer Preseason Best IX.
Harrison Bertos was named to the first team, Zach Ramsey claimed a spot on the second team, and Alex Hall earned a third team selection.
Bertos also came in at No. 3 in the TDS preseason player rankings, with Ramsey at No. 12 and Alex Hall at No. 27.
BIG TEN PLAYERS TO WATCH
Harrison Bertos, Alex Hall, and Zach Ramsey were each picked as Big Ten Players to Watch. The trio played a pivotal role in the team's success a season ago, leading Washington to 16 wins, 54 total goals scored, and the pinnacle of college soccer.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON BERTOS AND HALL
Harrison Bertos and Alex Hall were each named to the United Soccer Coaches Preseason Players to Watch list. Bertos was one 20 players named in the preseason list that recognizes defenders while Hall was named to the preseason midfielder list.
Bertos was instrumental in leading the Huskies to the 2025 national championship, anchoring a stout defense in the postseason while scoring two goals across six postseason games, including the OT winner in the national championship match.
Last season, Bertos was named a United Soccer Coaches Third Team All-American, All-Big Ten First Team, a Top Drawer Soccer Top 100 Player (No. 9), the Top Drawer Soccer National Player of the Week (Oct. 7), a two-time Top Drawer Soccer National Team of the Week (Oct. 7; Dec. 1), and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week (Sept. 30).
Hall was instrumental to the Huskies' success in 2025. A dangerous creative force in the midfield, Hall was fourth on the team with 18 total points, stemming from five goals and eight assists. His assist tally was the second-most on the team and two of his goals during the season were match winners.
Hall was named an All-Big Ten First Team selection in 2025 and also claimed on Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week award. Hall bagged the third goal in Washington's 3-1 win over Maryland in the NCAA Tournament, helping send the Huskies to the College Cup.
He then provided an assist in the semifinal, spurring the Huskies to the national championship match. Hall played in every match a season ago, making 17 starts along the way.
TOP DAWGS
The Huskies were selected as the top team in both the United Soccer Coaches and Top Drawer Soccer preseason polls.
Thanks to the national championship victory, Washington has topped the United Soccer Coaches poll for the first time in program history. The Huskies finished the 2025 season with a 16-6-2 record and 54 goals scored, the most of any team in the NCAA a season ago.
PICKED TO TOP THE BIG TEN
The reigning national champions were tabbed the top team in the Big Ten this preseason as announced by the conference on Tuesday morning. Washington leads the way, followed by Maryland, Indiana, UCLA and Michigan in the top five.
It's no surprise the Huskies are picked as the top team in the conference. Washington is coming off its most successful season in history, which culminated with the 2025 national championship, the first title for the program.
PERUVIAN EXCURSION
Washington had the trip of a lifetime this summer, heading to Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu in the offseason. Washington began the trip with five days in the Andes mountains, exploring the rich history of the Incan capitol in Cusco and at the ancient city of Machu Picchu. Then, the Dawgs headed to Lima for the FISU international collegiate games.
The Huskies won the bronze medal and went undefeated in the the preseason tournament.
FIVE HUSKIES SELECTED IN MLS SUPERDRAFT
Five Huskies were selected in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft, headlined by No. 8 overall selection Richie Aman by DC United. The MAC Hermann Trophy Finalist becomes the fifth Top-10 selection for the Huskies in the last five years.
Zach Ramsey was the second Husky off the board, going to the Vancouver Whitecaps at No. 17 in the first round. Joe Dale was next, going to the Seattle Sounders at the 51st overall pick in the second round.
Asher Hestad came off the board just five picks later, going to the Colorado Rapids with the 56th overall pick. Connor Lofy rounded out the draft class for the Huskies as he was selected with the 89th pick in the third round by Vancouver.
The five draft selections from Washington are the most of any team in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft. It's also the most draft picks Washington has had selected since 2022 when five Huskies were also picked.
Of the five picks, three are returning to Washington for the 2026 season. Ramsey, Hestad, and Lofy will once again suit up for the Huskies this fall.
ROAD DAWGS
Washington is the only team in NCAA history to win the title after six consecutive tournament games away from home. The Huskies defeated Oregon State, SMU, Stanford, and Maryland all at their opponents' home fields before winning two neutral site matches in the College Cup.
The Huskies became just the second team ever to advance to the College Cup after four road victories in the NCAA Tournament in 2025. UMBC was the first to achieve the feat in 2014, ultimately falling in the semifinal round to Virginia.
PAIR OF ALL-AMERICANS
Richie Aman was named a first team United Soccer Coaches All-American while Harrison Bertos was selected to the third team. Aman was named a first team selection while Bertos was named to the third team. It's the fifth time in program history that the Huskies claim multiple All-America awards in a single season. All five occasions have happened under the direction of Jamie Clark.
Aman has been a key offensive force for Washington, tallying 13 assists and four goals for 21 total points. He's already been lauded as the Big Ten Midfielder of the Year, a First Team All-Big Ten selection, and a semifinalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy.
Bertos has anchored a stout Husky defense that has recorded nine shutouts this season, including two 1-0 NCAA Tournament victories over ranked opponents. Bertos has also chipped in three goals, including two game winners, while earning First Team All-Big Ten honors.
ALL-REGION HONORS
Five Huskies were honored as United Soccer Coaches All-Region selections, the organization announced on Tuesday. Richie Aman and Harrison Bertos headlined the list as first team honorees, Jadon Bowton and Charlie Kosakoff were named second team selections, and Alex Hall rounded out the group as a member of the third team.
The five selections are the most Washington has had since 2022. Aman and Bowton are also both two-time selections after earning the All-Region honor in 2024.
CONSISTENCY IS KEY
With Washington's 2025 tournament win over SMU, the Huskies claimed their 12th win of the season, marking the 12th occasion in Jamie Clark's 15 years on Montlake the team has won at least 12 games. It's also the 12th time Clark has led the Huskies into the NCAA Tournament.
Prior to 2025, the last time the Huskies advanced past the second round of the NCAA Tournament was in 2021 when Washington made its first-ever trip to the NCAA Championship match.
HOMEGROWN TALENT
Washington's roster features 20 of 29 players who hail from the state of Washington. Four players claim Seattle as their hometown (Asher Hestad, Noah Newman, Cameron Cruz, and Jaeger Felton), two are from Redmond (Egor Akulov and Zach Ramsey) and two others call Kirkland home (Zack Meier and Connor Lofy).
Of Washington's nine out of state players, four hail from California (Nate Chandler, Jake Goetting, Nick O'Brien, and Ibrahim Rashad), and one each from Oregon (Callum Lugton), Massachusetts (Harrison Bertos), Utah (Stockton Short), Texas (Osato Enabulele, and Missouri (Wyatt Lewis).
NEWCOMERS ON MONTLAKE
The Huskies welcomed 12 newcomers this season. Eight of the fresh faces are first year players while four are transfers.
Joining Washington as first years this fall are Shaun Brun (West Seattle, Wash.), Nate Chandler (Pleasant Hill, Calif.), Jordy Dierks (Lake Forest Park, Wash.), Anthony Garcia (Wenatchee, Wash.), Jake Goetting (Berkely, Calif.), Harper Mikolasy (Woodinville, Wash.), and Noah Newman (Seattle, Wash.).
Emmett Layman (Point Loma Nazarene), Callum Lugton (Syracuse), Stockton Short (Utah Tech), and Wyatt Lewis (Notre Dame) make up the 2026 transfers.
POSTSEASON REGULARS
Washington has become a common name in the NCAA Men's Soccer Tournament. In the last 15 years, the Huskies have reached the tournament 12 times. Washington is also one of three teams to reach the College Cup twice in the last five years (Notre Dame & Clemson).
Only Washington and Clemson have reached the championship game twice in the last five years.
CREAM OF THE CROP
In 15 seasons on Montlake, Jamie Clark has orchestrated the meteoric rise of Washington men's soccer, distinguishing the team as one of the nation's top college soccer programs. Clark has led the Huskies to a record of 190-72-41, three Pac-12 titles, 12 trips to the NCAA Tournament and a national championship in 2025. Of those postseason appearances, Clark's Huskies have made five trips to the NCAA Quarterfinals, including three straight NCAA Quarterfinals appearances from 2019-21 and two College Cup runs in 2021 and 2025.
Clark currently ranks eighth in winning percentage among active head coaches with a .696 percentage in 18 career seasons.
CLARK EXTENDS STAY
After guiding the Huskies to their first national championship in program history, head coach Jamie Clark signed an extension at the University of Washington, keeping at the helm of UW Men's Soccer through 2032.
Clark has distinguished Washington as one of the premier programs in the nation, guiding the Huskies to 10 second round appearances, five quarterfinals, two College Cups, two national championship matches, and one national title in 2025.
The Huskies rewrote the college soccer record book in 2025, becoming the first team in history to win the title with six straight NCAA tournament victories away from home. Washington took down Oregon State, No. 5 SMU, No. 12 Stanford, No. 4 Maryland, No. 16 Furman, and No. 15 NC State en route to the trophy
In Clark's 15 seasons on Montlake, the Huskies have advanced to the national tournament 12 times. In 2021, Clark guided the Dawgs to a national runner up finish, at the time the best result in program history, while also tying the program record for wins in a season with 18.
For news, scores, highlights and more, download the Go Huskies app on your mobile device. Follow @UW_MSoccer on Instagram, X, Threads, and Facebook and subscribe to UW Athletics on YouTube for the latest on the Dawgs.
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