University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Thursday, August 13
Greeley, Colo.
7 p.m. MT
University of Northern Colorado
vs
Denver
Photo by: Jesus Ayala, UNC Athletics
Bears Open 2026 Season At Home Against Denver
8/12/2026 8:17:00 AM | Women's Soccer
GREELEY, Colo. – Northern Colorado women's soccer officially opens the 2026 season Thursday, Aug. 13, welcoming in-state rival Denver to Jackson Stadium. Kickoff between the Bears and Pioneers is scheduled for 7 p.m. MT.
Following an exhibition matchup at Colorado College, the Bears return to Greeley ready to begin a new campaign with renewed energy and new goals. Northern Colorado is coming off a 2025 season in which it finished 3-10-6 overall and 2-4-2 in Big Sky play. With a new season underway, UNC will look to build on last year's experiences as the Bears pursue a return to the Big Sky Tournament and establish momentum early in the non-conference schedule.
Thursday begins a four-match home stand for Northern Colorado, with Denver, Wyoming, Colorado State and South Dakota all set to visit Jackson Stadium during August.
HISTORY WITH DENVER
Northern Colorado and Denver are familiar in-state opponents. The Pioneers hold an 8-0 advantage over UNC in regular-season meetings, with the most recent regular-season matchup coming in 2023 when Denver earned a 3-1 victory. The programs have also met in exhibition play, including last year's preseason matchup in Denver. The Bears will look to turn the page Thursday as they begin the regular season in front of the home crowd at Jackson Stadium. Denver enters the new year after finishing the 2025 season 9-5-4 overall and 6-1-1 in Summit League play.
LAST TIME OUT
Following an exhibition matchup at Colorado College, the Bears return to Greeley ready to begin a new campaign with renewed energy and new goals. Northern Colorado is coming off a 2025 season in which it finished 3-10-6 overall and 2-4-2 in Big Sky play. With a new season underway, UNC will look to build on last year's experiences as the Bears pursue a return to the Big Sky Tournament and establish momentum early in the non-conference schedule.
Thursday begins a four-match home stand for Northern Colorado, with Denver, Wyoming, Colorado State and South Dakota all set to visit Jackson Stadium during August.
HISTORY WITH DENVER
Northern Colorado and Denver are familiar in-state opponents. The Pioneers hold an 8-0 advantage over UNC in regular-season meetings, with the most recent regular-season matchup coming in 2023 when Denver earned a 3-1 victory. The programs have also met in exhibition play, including last year's preseason matchup in Denver. The Bears will look to turn the page Thursday as they begin the regular season in front of the home crowd at Jackson Stadium. Denver enters the new year after finishing the 2025 season 9-5-4 overall and 6-1-1 in Summit League play.
LAST TIME OUT
Northern Colorado opened its 2026 slate with an exhibition match at Colorado College on Aug. 6. Head coach Tim Barrera came away pleased with several aspects of his team's performance. UNC used the exhibition as an opportunity to evaluate its depth, with 27 of the team's 30 players seeing action, including all five freshmen. No player played more than 45 minutes as the Bears focused on gaining valuable experience throughout the roster. Barrera also highlighted several positive sequences and the team's defensive performance as UNC gained an early measuring stick heading into the regular season.
UP NEXT
Following Thursday night's season opener, Northern Colorado remains at Jackson Stadium to host another regional rival, Wyoming, on Sunday, Aug. 16 at 6 p.m. MT. The Cowgirls defeated the Bears 1-0 last season in Laramie, giving UNC another early opportunity to test itself against a familiar opponent. The matchup will be the second of four consecutive home contests to begin the 2026 regular season.
FOLLOW THE BEARS
Fans can follow and stay up to date on all the Bear action online and on social media. Follow the Bears on X (@UNC_BearsSoccer), Instagram (@UNC_BearsSoccer), and Facebook (/UNCBearsSoccer).
Center Circle Club
UP NEXT
Following Thursday night's season opener, Northern Colorado remains at Jackson Stadium to host another regional rival, Wyoming, on Sunday, Aug. 16 at 6 p.m. MT. The Cowgirls defeated the Bears 1-0 last season in Laramie, giving UNC another early opportunity to test itself against a familiar opponent. The matchup will be the second of four consecutive home contests to begin the 2026 regular season.
FOLLOW THE BEARS
Fans can follow and stay up to date on all the Bear action online and on social media. Follow the Bears on X (@UNC_BearsSoccer), Instagram (@UNC_BearsSoccer), and Facebook (/UNCBearsSoccer).
Center Circle Club
The Center Circle Club plays an important role in the success of UNC Women's Soccer, providing resources and opportunities that enhance the student-athlete experience and help the Bears compete at the highest level. Your support helps provide the experiences and resources needed for UNC Soccer to thrive on and off the field.
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