Soccer announces 2016 schedule and new ticket packages

PROVO, Utah – BYU women’s soccer will play one of its most competitive schedules in program history in 2016, headlined by a road game at 2015 national champion Penn State. The new season also brings new ticket packages, including the VIP Experience.

“We have always tried to challenge ourselves in order to better prepare for WCC and potential postseason play,” BYU head coach Jennifer Rockwood said.  “We look forward to the opportunity of playing such a competitive nonconference schedule.”

The Cougars’ slate features games against top teams from the SEC, Pac-12, Big Ten, AAC and the MWC. It also includes a preseason exhibition at UCLA, winner of the 2013 national title.

BYU, the reigning attendance leader in college soccer, will play nine home games. Nebraska, Tennessee, SMU, Denver and Long Beach State will visit South Field before the Cougars’ four West Coast Conference home contests.

“We will be tested both at home and particularly on the road,” Rockwood said. “Matches against UCLA, Washington State, Penn State, Utah and Ohio State will force us to strive and compete at a higher level than in the past.”

BYU women's soccer 2016 schedule

BYU opens the 2016 campaign on the road against Pac-12 foe and NCAA participant Washington State, on Aug. 19.

The team’s home schedule begins on Aug. 22 against Big Ten opponent Nebraska on Monday, Aug. 22. The Cougars will then head to University Park, Pa., to battle defending champion Penn State (No. 6 in the final 2015 rankings) on Friday, Aug. 26.

The Cougars return home the following week to host SEC powerhouse Tennessee on Friday, Sept. 2, at 7 p.m.

On Labor Day, Sept. 5, BYU heads to Salt Lake City for an in-state rivalry game with Utah.

On Sept. 8, the Cougars come home to host SMU from the AAC at 7 p.m.

Next up are two road games for BYU with a Sept. 12 contest at Ohio State, another NCAA tournament team, and in Logan for a matchup with in-state rival Utah State on Sept. 17.

The Cougars return for four straight home games beginning with Denver on Sept. 22 and Long Beach State on Sept. 24. The 49ers fell to WCC foe Santa Clara in the first round of the NCAA tournament last year.

BYU will begin its hunt for a fifth-straight WCC regular season title when it opens league play against Santa Clara (No. 12 in the final 2015 rankings) on Sept. 29. The Broncos advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament in 2015. Then, on Oct. 3, the Cougars play host to San Francisco.

League play continues for BYU with back-to-back road games at LMU and Pepperdine on Oct. 6 and Oct. 8. The Lions played in the first round of the 2015 NCAA tournament.

BYU’s home game against Portland on Oct. 15 is the team’s only contest the following week.

Three road games keep the Cougars in the chase for another WCC crown with games at San Diego on Oct. 21, at Saint Mary’s on Oct. 27 and at Pacific on Oct. 29.

BYU finishes its WCC slate by hosting Gonzaga on Nov. 5.

In preparation for the 2016 campaign, the Cougars will play an intrasquad Blue/White scrimmage on Aug. 6 and an Alumni game on Aug. 9. Both games kick off at 7 p.m.

The Cougars will travel to Los Angeles to play an exhibition game against Pac-12 foe UCLA on Aug. 12.

Updates on game times and broadcast information will be reflected on the schedule as they become available.

BYU’s new VIP Experience is available with season tickets in 2016. It will include the best seats at South Field, catered meals and snacks on home game days and an opportunity to meet the team before the season. VIP members will also get a Nike swag bag.

Priority for season tickets and the VIP Experience will be given first to Cougar Club members and returning season ticket holders, followed by new season ticket holders.

Ticketing information can be found at byutickets.com. Tickets can be purchased at the same site or at the Smith Fieldhouse box office.