Rock Hill, S.C. -- Winthrop women's soccer kicks off the 2026 season on Thursday night as they head to Cullowhee, N.C. for a meeting with Western Carolina.

Winthrop Women's Soccer Game Information
Matchup	Winthrop (0-0, 0-0 Big South) at Western Carolina (0-0, 0-0 SoCon)
Date/Time	Thursday, Aug. 13 | 6:00 p.m. (EST)
Location	Cullowhee, N.C. | Catamount Athletic Complex
Live Video	ESPN+
Live Stats	Live Stats
Series Record	Western Carolina leads 7-0-1 | Streak – L4
First Meeting	Sep. 7, 2007 (Cullowhee, N.C.) | Western Carolina won 2-0
Last Meeting	Sep. 7, 2025 (Rock Hill, S.C.) | Western Carolina won 2-0
Winthrop All-Time Records	Overall (157-198-52) | Home (68-109-16) | Away (64-113-17) | Big South (79-100-26)
Shop	Find all your needs for Winthrop gear – ShopWinthropeagles | ShopWinthropGear
Social Media	Twitter - @WinthropWsoccer / @WUEagles | Instagram - @winthropwsoccer | Facebook - /WinthropWSoccer | #ROCKtheHILL | #EverStand

SERIES HISTORY VS. WESTERN CAROLINA
This will be the ninth all-time matchup between the Eagles and the Catamounts and the fourth consecutive match in as many years. Winthrop remains winless in the series, looking to snap its losing streak and start the season off 1-0.

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FOOT NOTES

• Head coach Spencer Smith is entering 17th season as Head Coach of WInthrop women's soccer
• Winthrop is coming off a 4-0 win over USC Lancaster in their opening exhibition match on August 5 at Eagle Field
• Lindsay Sheets, Monssi Avila-Gutierrez, Cordelia McIntosh, Mia Silber all named to the Big South watch list
• Winthrop is coming off a 4-6-6 season, while Western Carolina is coming off a 10-6-4 2025 season
• Winthrop is 0-7-1 all-time against the Catamounts, looking for their first win
• The Eagles have added a plethora of new faces to the roster, including eight freshman and a transfer student
• Winthrop has 13 returners from last season
• Senior Monssi Avila-Gutierrez led the team in goals last season with five, including a pair of game-winning goals
• Freshman goalkeeper Mia Ruffalo is the team's lone goalie on the roster
• Winthrop has been picked to finish sixth in the 2026 Big South Conference Preseason Poll
• The program is in its 24th season overall
• The Eagles have an all-time record of 157-198-52
• Monssi Avila-Gutierrez was named First Team All-Big South last season
• Cordelia McIntosh was named to the Big South Midseason Watch List last season
• Lindsay Sheets was named to the Big South All-Freshman Team in her first season in Rock Hill last year
• Winthrop finished the 2025 season with a 4-6-6 record

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2026 HONORS

• Lindsay Sheets – Sophomore
  • Big South Preseason Returning Players Watchlist – Forwards
• Monssi Avila-Gutierrez - Senior
  • Big South Preseason Returning Players Watchlist – Midfielders
• Cordelia McIntosh - Junior
  • Big South Preseason Returning Players Watchlist – Midfielders
• Mia Silber - Junior
  • Big South Preseason Returning Players Watchlist – Defenders

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WATCH THE EAGLES ON ESPN+
Select women's soccer home games during the 2025 season will air live on ESPN+. You can also catch select road games in Big South Conference play on ESPN+. To watch Big South games on ESPN+ you must have a subscription to ESPN+. For more information on how to subscribe, click here.

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BE A BALLRUNNER FOR WINTHROP SOCCER MATCHES
Interested in getting closer to the action of college soccer? Winthrop men's and women's soccer teams are looking for ball runners to help at home games in 2025 and beyond. Become a ball runner for official games and become a part of our game day experience. Sign up as an individual or sign up an entire team/club to attend a match and help the game keep pace as ball runners. Available for grades 3rd thru 8th. If interested please fill out the ONLINE FORM.

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JOIN THE EAGLE CLUB
The Eagle Club is the official fundraising arm of Winthrop Athletics. Your generosity directly supports Winthrop Athletics and helps provide our student-athletes with the resources they need to succeed on and off the field. From facility upgrades and enhanced game-day experiences to scholarships, equipment, travel, and academic support, every dollar makes a difference.
By investing in the Eagle Club, you're helping us build a stronger future for Winthrop Athletics—one that prioritizes excellence, opportunity, and a championship culture.
Whether you're an alum, parent, fan, or community member, your support fuels our success. For more information or to become a member, CLICK HERE.

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UP NEXT
The Eagles will host UT-Chattanooga on Sunday night in their home opener at Eagle Field. The game will air on ESPN+ at 5 p.m.

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FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
To keep up with the latest news on the Winthrop women's soccer program follow the Eagles on X (@WinthropWSoccer), Instagram (@WinthropWSoccer) and Facebook (/WUWomensSoccer)