Troy University Athletics
Troy University
Middle Tennessee
Soccer Opens 2026 Season at Middle Tennessee
8/12/2026 11:00:00 AM | Soccer
TROY, Ala. - Troy soccer kicks off its 2026 season on Thursday night, as the Trojans open the season against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. from Dean A. Hayes Stadium.
The match marks the beginning of a new era of Troy soccer as Jake Wyman, the 11th head coach in program history, makes his Troy coaching debut. Wyman comes to Troy following six seasons at Division II Montevallo, where his teams made three NCAA Tournaments, including back-to-back appearances in 2024 and 2025.
Match Information
The Matchup: Troy vs. Middle Tennessee
Location: Murfreesboro, Tenn. - Dean A. Hayes Stadium
When: Thursday, August 13 – 7 p.m.
Live Stats: Troy.Statbroadcast.com
Familiar Faces
The 2026 Troy roster includes 16 returners from last year's squad, including seven players who made at least one start. Goalkeeper Taylor Richards returns for her second season with the Trojans after leading the Sun Belt in saves a season ago despite making just 12 starts due to injury. After playing every minute for Troy in 2025, midfielder Isabella Hartofelis returns for her second collegiate season. Meanwhile, familiar faces along the back line include Brooke Slater, Imani Hamilton and Georgia Mulholland.
Meet the Newbies
Troy's 13 newcomers feature eight first-year players, four Division I transfers and one junior college transfer. The group is headlined by Northern Arizona transfer Madisyn Marchesi, who started 27 matches in two seasons with the Lumberjacks. Additionally, the Trojans added Jamie Doust (Eastern Michigan), Emme Curran (Wofford) and Iisa Elovaara (Iowa State).
Wyman's coaching staff includes assistant coach Jonny Ellis and goalkeepers coach Keanan Ainge.
Scouting Middle Tennessee
Middle Tennessee is coming off a 2025 season in which the Blue Raiders finished 11-6-3, their most wins since 2012. Head coach Aston Rhoden is set to begin his 24th season with the Blue Raiders. MTSU returns Hannah Murphy and Alli Craig, who each scored three goals last season, as well as starting goalkeeper Demi Gronauer.
Series History
- Troy and Middle Tennessee are set to meet for the 11th time in program history.
- The Trojans are 0-5-0 in road matches against the Blue Raiders
- MTSU won the last meeting between the two sides, 3-1, on Oct. 13, 2012, in Murfreesboro.
