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USA Today
5 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Tennessee soccer preview versus top-ranked North Carolina to kick off 2025 season
Tennessee will kick off its 2025 soccer season Thursday. The Lady Vols will host No. 1 North Carolina at Regal Soccer Stadium. Rankings reflect the preseason United Soccer Coaches Poll. Kickoff between the Lady Vols and Tar Heels is slated for 7 p.m. EDT and the season opener will be televised by SEC Network. North Carolina leads the soccer series versus Tennessee, 12-0-1, all time dating to Sept. 5, 1997. Tennessee tied the Tar Heels, 0-0 in double overtime, on Sept. 10, 2004. Joe Kirt enters his fourth season as Tennessee's head coach in 2025. He previewed facing the top-ranked Tar Heels. 'I think it's where we want to finish the season, right,' Kirt said. 'We want to play those games in December, so let's figure out where we are early on. It's going to be no different than playing Clemson over the weekend. It is going to help us prepare for not only what we're going to see in the league, but what we're going to see in the NCAA Tournament. 'I think it's right away we're going to know here's where we are, here's where we need to improve, here's what we need to keep doing. It's why we're here to compete for national championships, so let's see where we are straight away.' The Lady Vols held exhibition matches versus Chattanooga and Clemson ahead of Thursday's contest against North Carolina. More: Mia Binkowski commits to Tennessee soccer Follow Vols Wire on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Mia Binkowski commits to Tennessee soccer
Tennessee soccer and head coach Joe Kirt received a commitment from a 2027 prospect on Wednesday. Mia Binkowski, a rising junior and defender for Battlefield High School in Haymarket, Virginia, announced her commitment to the Lady Vols. "Committed," Binkowski said. "Thank you Bobby Puppione and coach Alex for everything. Thank you to the entire Tennessee staff!" Binkowski's commitment was on the same day the Lady Vols opened their 2025 season with an exhibition match at Chattanooga. She plays club soccer for Virginia Development Academy in Woodbridge, Virginia. Tennessee will play its final exhibition match Saturday. The Lady Vols will host Clemson at Regal Soccer Stadium. Kickoff is slated for noon EDT. The Lady Vols will open their 2025 regular season on Aug. 14 versus North Carolina at Regal Soccer Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. EDT. Tennessee will host Eastern Kentucky Aug. 17 in a match that will be contested at 1 p.m. EDT. More: Former Lady Vol Bunny Shaw wins Golden Boot for second consecutive year Kirt enters his fourth season as Tennessee's head coach in 2025. He previously served as an assistant coach for the Lady Vols from 2007-21. Tennessee finished its 2024 season with a 9-7-4 (3-3-3 SEC) record and advanced to the NCAA Tournament. The Lady Vols were eliminated by Virginia Tech with a, 2-1, loss in a first-round game in Blacksburg, Virginia. Follow Vols Wire on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
