SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Evangel women's soccer team kicks off their 2026 season on Friday (Aug. 21) night, taking on the Mission Patriots at 7:30 p.m. at Coryell Field.

Friday's live stream can be accessed by clicking here and live stats are provided here.

OPENING STORYLINES 

• The Valor are coming off a strong 9-9-1 2025 season that featured a postseason berth for the second consecutive season.

• Bruce Deaton opens his 12th season in 2026 at Evangel, currently sitting with 68 wins in his coaching career at EU. The Valor were picked to finish fifth in the preseason KCAC poll.

• Despite the departure of All-KCAC 2nd Teamer Amaura Austell, the Valor return several goal scorers from last season, including All-KCAC Preseason Selection Makayla Myers (5 goals, 5 assists), and McKenzie Calhoun (6 goals). Emma Budimlya (3 goals) also returns for Evangel.

• The loss of Rylee Clapp to graduation will be another question mark for the Valor defense this season, as returners Madison Villaronga (266 minutes) and Paige Estes (40 minutes) will compete with freshman Samantha Shane and Abby Perry for playing time in goal.

• The Valor added nine high school standouts and three collegiate transfers to the 2026 squad.

• Evangel will match up with Mission for the first time in program history on Friday night.

LOOKING AHEAD

Evangel Women's Soccer remains at home to host the 7th ranked John Brown Golden Eagles on Monday (Aug. 24) night at 7:30 p.m. in Springfield.

For the latest information on Evangel Athletics, visit Facebook at Facebook.com/EvangelValor, X (@EvangelValor), or EvangelAthletics.com. Fans can also receive updates on their favorite EU teams by downloading the Evangel Athletics Gameday App through the App Store or Google Play.  

—#OneValor—