SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Augustana Vikings will open the 2026 season on the road in Bethany, Oklahoma. The Vikings' season starts on the pitch against Southern Nazarene at 6 p.m. on Friday, August 28, and rounds out the weekend on Sunday, August 30 at noon against Central Oklahoma.
The Storm
The Storm was selected to finish sixth in the GAC preseason standings. The Vikings and the Storm will face each other for the first time in program history. Southern Nazarene University went 6-9-3 overall last year, and missed a GAC tournament bid.
The Broncos
The Broncos were selected fifth in the MIAA Preseason Coaches' Poll. Central Oklahoma went 9-6-5 in the 2025 season and reached the MIAA Soccer Championship finals. UCO opens its season with a familiar NSIC competitor, Minnesota State, in Edmond, Oklahoma, before hitting the pitch against the Vikings on Sunday.
The Vikings hold a 2-1 overall record against UCO. AU rides a two-game winning streak after defeating the Broncos 3-1 last season.
The Vikings
The Vikings were tabbed to finish fourth in the NSIC Preseason Poll after going 11-5-3 during the 2025 season and finished sixth in the NSIC.
Senior Madelyn White and junior Ashlyn Kelliher were selected as Augustana's Offensive and Defensive players to watch for the 2026 season. Madelyn White enters the 2026 season after a standout junior season in 2025, garnering 13 goals and 2 assists for 28 total points. White also received several awards, including All-NSIC First Teams and D2CCA All-Central Region First Teams.
Kelliher defended the Vikings side of the pitch, starting in 17 of 19 games and holding opponents to 0.89 goals per game and limiting opponents' shots on goal to just 189.
Augustana brought in 12 new athletes along with 24 returning players from the 2025 season. Coach Brandon Barkus is entering his 21st season with the Vikings. Barkus showed his excitement for the season, stating, "I am most excited about the mix of players that we will have on our team this season. I love our Senior group. They bring a great level of positivity, yet they will demand that we work hard this season."
After the road trip for the Vikings, they will return home to Morstad Field on Sunday, Sept. 6, for a 1 p.m. match against Northwest Missouri State.
– GoAugie.com –
