BEAUMONT, Texas – After two weeks of transition period practices, Lamar University soccer officially began preseason workouts Wednesday morning at the LU Soccer Complex in preparation for the 2026 season. The workouts started with a 90-minute session before returning to the field for an evening walkthrough and film work.
 
Last season, the Cardinals earned the Southland Conference's sixth seed after going 7-8-5 overall and 3-3-4 in conference play. Hosting the conference tournament, LU's advanced all the way to the conference semifinals.
 
The Cardinals are scheduled to host 11 contests at their home venue, including two exhibitions, beginning with the first one against Blinn College Wednesday, Aug. 5th at 6 p.m. While Big Red's season opens on the road at UTEP (Aug. 12th), the actual home opener takes place four days later versus Sam Houston.
 
LU is returning 18 letterwinners, including 13 seniors, from last season's squad. Among those that will suit up are All-SLC second-teamers Kam Jalayer (Sr.) and Sydney Williams (Jr.). LU also returns its goalkeeping tandem of Eloise Bywater (So.) and Maddie Rich (Sr.). In addition, the Cardinals welcome back fifth-year players Ella Carmody and Lauryn Woodard, seniors Reese Burch, Chloe Ezell, Marissa Gross, Christina Guzman, Kamryn Harvey, Kaitlyn Niemeyer, Emma Oubrik, Anneliese Switzer and Riley Wilson, redshirt junior Mariana Cardenas, redshirt sophomore Olivia Manibo, and sophomore Sofia Wilby. Big Red will also be adding 11 newcomers to the roster.
 
Fans can purchase tickets by calling the LU Ticket Office at (409) 880-1715 or by logging on to the Lamar athletics website at LamarCardinals.com/BuyTickets.
 

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