IRVINE, Calif. — Arizona Soccer opened its 2026 campaign with a 0-0 exhibition draw against UC Irvine Wednesday night at Anteater Stadium.

Arizona used the exhibition to get its first look at several new faces, with six newcomers (Thaleia Tsintikidou, Ally Brown, Lainey Swanson, Emerson Stoft, Laurynn Ziller and Grace Smith) making their first appearances in an Arizona uniform. Junior goalkeeper Sofia Cortes-Browne started the first half, recording one save before Ziller took over in the second half. Ziller added three saves as the duo combined to preserve the clean sheet.

The Wildcats used 20 players in their first action of the season and finished with an 8-7 advantage in shots, including six attempts in the second half. Arizona and UC Irvine combined for just three shots in the opening 45 minutes, with Lily Boydstun and Whitney Reinhardt recording the Wildcats' two attempts. 

Arizona's attack picked up after the break. Lainey Swanson put the Wildcats' first shot on goal in the 65th minute before Emerson Stoft recorded back-to-back opportunities. Kyleigh Johnson added two late chances, including an attempt on frame in the 83rd minute, while Tsintikidou recorded Arizona's final shot in the closing minute. Stoft and Johnson led Arizona with two shots apiece. 

The Wildcats will return to action Wednesday, Aug. 12, at Grand Canyon for their 2026 regular-season opener.