After an injury-riddled 4-13-2 season last year, Oklahoma State soccer looks to regroup and return to the Big 12 and NCAA tournaments in its 22nd season under head coach Colin Carmichael.
The 2026 season features 13 games at Neal Patterson Stadium, 11 of which include a special theme. From anniversaries to specialized nights and days, there is always a reason to watch the Cowgirls play this season.
The season opener against Sam Houston on Aug. 12 will feature Ted Lasso x New Student Night. This is a perfect fan-engagement opportunity at the beginning of the season, as Carmichael and the OSU players are huge fans of the Apple TV+ comedy show that is focused on soccer. Additionally, this allows new students to experience an athletic event as they adjust to life in Stillwater.
About a week later, it will be time for the Cowgirls to get revenge in the 49th edition of Bedlam Soccer when they host Oklahoma on Aug. 20. Last year’s match saw the Sooners prevail 4-1 in Norman with Xcaret Pineda scoring the Cowgirls’ lone goal. OSU has defended home field well against OU, with a 17-3-2 record at NPS against the Lady Sooners, and the Cowgirls’ last home loss dates back to Oct. 14, 2016.
When Grambling State comes to Stillwater on Aug. 30, OSU will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Cowgirl Soccer. Carmichael has been part of its history since the inception in 1996, and his impact has been huge. His tenure has included six Big 12 regular-season championships, with four in a row from 2008-11. Six players he coached have been named All-Americans, and AD Franch, Courtney Dike, and Coumba Sow are three who have represented their countries in the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The next three home games each recognize a different group. Sept. 3 against San Diego State is Student Night, Sept. 6 against Southeast Missouri State is Youth Day and Sept. 13 against Central Arkansas includes a postgame ceremony honoring the team’s eight seniors.
Before conference play begins against TCU on Sept. 17, OSU will honor Neal Patterson, whose impact on the soccer program is forever remembered. Patterson was the main benefactor of the $20 million project that gave the stadium a significant upgrade and led to its renaming in his honor in 2018, one year after his passing. He was also one of five people who founded Sporting Club, the group that purchased Major League Soccer franchise Sporting Kansas City back in 2006.
The next two themes are prominent across all of OSU athletics: Oct. 2 against Arizona marks the blackout game for the Cowgirls, while Oct. 8 against Texas Tech is expected to draw a large student crowd for Greek Night.
The final two themes are very important ones for the team, fans and school. Oct. 16 against Arizona State is the Kick Cancer game, allowing fans to support those battling cancer and remember those who lost their lives to the disease. The final themed home game, Oct. 22 against Utah, will honor United States military veterans and recognize their service.