FLUSHING, N.Y. – The 2026 Queens College women's soccer season gets underway Thursday as fifth-year head coach Thomas Paris and the Knights open a three-match homestand to begin the new campaign.
 
Queens returns to the pitch following a 2-9-6 campaign in 2025, earning the sixth seed in the East Coast Conference (ECC) Tournament and making its third consecutive postseason appearance. The Knights have been selected to finish fifth in the ECC Preseason Coaches' Poll. (Full ECC Story)
 
Paris enters his fifth season at the helm with a brand-new assistant coaching staff, welcoming Ana Penagos, Ralph Spampinato and Shannon Kilian to the program.
 
The Knights return several players with significant collegiate experience after producing nine goals last season, averaging 0.53 goals and 11.9 shots per match. Defensively, Queens allowed 1.59 goals and 11.5 shots per game. Junior goalkeeper Samantha Hines-Hirsch started all 17 matches in 2025, recording 74 saves and five shutouts.
 
A trio of captains will lead the Knights into the new season, with seniors Ava Lekanides and Jenna Rosenberger joined by junior Keeley Harden. The group will guide Queens into Thursday's season opener against the Felician University Golden Falcons.
 
With an experienced core returning from last season, the Knights have added depth throughout the roster, bringing the total squad to 35 players. Queens will look to blend its returning experience with its newcomers as it aims to make a run toward the ECC championship.

Felician University Preview

Thursday's matchup marks the 13th all-time meeting between Queens and Felician, with the Knights holding an 8-2-2 record in the series. Queens has averaged 2.42 goals per game against the Golden Falcons and owns a 4-0-1 record when facing Felician at home.
 
The Knights will be looking to snap a 13-year winless streak against the Golden Falcons, with their last victory coming in a 1-0 decision on Sept. 26, 2013. Thursday's contest will also mark the first meeting between the two programs in Flushing since the 2013 season.

Caldwell University Preview

Following the season opener, Paris and the Knights will continue their three-match homestand Sunday, Aug. 30, against the Caldwell University Cougars.
 
Sunday's contest will mark the 16th all-time meeting between Queens and Caldwell, with the Knights holding a 10-5-0 advantage in the series. The matchup will be the fourth consecutive meeting between the two programs. Across the previous 15 meetings, Queens has scored 35 goals, averaging 2.33 goals per match.

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