Ottawa University hosts Mission University to open the the 2026 home season on Saturday against Midland University. Kickoff for the match is set for 3:30 p.m. at Dick Peters Sports Complex, following the women's home opener against Mission University.
The Matchup
This is the debut season for Mission University's women's soccer program.
Last Time Out
Although Baker had fallen out of the top 25, the Wildcats still gave Ottawa a big challenge, twice taking a one-goal lead on the evening. Mateo Trigo scored the first equalizer for the Black-and-Gold and assisted on the second, before a handball whistled against Baker set Cole Scott up for a free kick 20 yards from goal that would prove to be the gamewinner. Leo Moutret preserved the Ottawa lead in the 84th minute with an emphatic goal-line clearance with Alex Neri collecting three giant stops in the 85th, 86th and 90th minutes to keep Ottawa in front.
About Mission
In its debut season, Mission has struggled defensively, allowing eight or more goals in all five contests on the season. On the offensive side of the ledger, the Patriots were able to strike for goals against two of Ottawa's upcoming KCAC opponents, with Khloe Pehl scoring the first goal for the program against in-town foe Evangel University, while Kadyn Garland and Myla Skenderovic (2) netting goals at Sterling College.
Welcome (Back) Home
After playing the past several seasons at AdventHealth Field, Ottawa returns to the Dick Peters Sports Complex for the 2026 season.
"We are excited to be returning home to Dick Peters Sports Complex," said head coach
James Cottage. "Playing on a soccer specific field, a field that is longer and wider, it will really match what we're trying to achieve. We want to play with fast wingers that can get into one on one opportunities, but this field will help defenders as well."
In addition to the benefits for the team, the fan experience is also expected to be improved with the move to Peters.
"With the move, fans can be closer to the field and really get up close and be that extra bit of support for our team," added Cottage. "I want to make it feel like a home, a place where teams look at it and go 'Oh, we've got to go to Ottawa. We have to play on that big field and it's going to be a mess.' That's what we're looking for."
