Rice Owls vs. UTSA Roadrunners
Match Details:
- Date: Friday, Oct. 2, 2026
- Time: 7:00 p.m. CT
- Location: San Antonio, Texas – Park West Athletics Complex
- Streaming: Watch Live Here
- Live Stats: View Stats Here
- Social Media Updates: Follow @RiceSoccer on Instagram/X
Match Preview
The Rice Owls (3-5-3, 1-2 American) face off against the UTSA Roadrunners (4-2-4, 0-1-1 American) in a pivotal matchup, featuring a rematch of last season’s American Conference Championship game. Following this game, Rice will return home to play UAB next Thursday.
Last Time Out
The Owls recently suffered a 3-0 defeat against Tulsa at Holloway Field, despite outshooting the Golden Hurricane 16-10. Tulsa had a narrow edge in shots on goal, 7-6.
Freshman Talent
Rice’s freshmen have made a significant impact this season:
- Neerali Kapadia: 7 assists (7th in the nation) and 13th in assists per game.
- Sloane Popov & Valentina Labuschagne: Among the top 50 nationally in shot accuracy.
Milestone Achievement
In a recent 3-0 victory over UL-Monroe, Rice achieved its 250th program win, a milestone that began with a victory against Army in 2001.
Historical Matchup
This game marks the 19th meeting between Rice and UTSA, with Rice holding a 13-4-1 series advantage. The Owls have dominated in San Antonio, winning the last six meetings at UTSA.
Notable Performance
Rice managed a historic 1-1 draw against the reigning national champions, No. 15 Florida State, highlighting their competitive edge against top-tier programs.
Preseason Accolades
Three Owls—Jadyn Jaeger, Lilly Reuscher, and Dayo Tennyson—received recognition on the American Conference Preseason Watch List. The team was ranked third in the preseason coaches poll.
Home Field Advantage
Rice has performed well at home, boasting a 17-5-4 record at Holloway Field over the last three seasons and an all-time home record of 148-64-25.
National Recognition
Lilly Reuscher was named to the 2026 United Soccer Coaches Missouri Athletic Club Hermann Trophy Watch List, contributing significantly to the Owl defense with five shutouts last season.
Celebrating 25 Years
This season marks the 25th anniversary of Rice soccer, celebrating its remarkable journey and achievements since the inaugural season in 2001.
Don’t miss this exciting matchup on the road and show your support for the Rice Owls!
