GRAND RAPIDS, Mich - The 2026 men's soccer season opens up on Thursday, Aug. 27 with a trip to Springfield, Mo. to face Drury University. The team will then continue over to Rolla, Mo. on Saturday for a 12:00 PM kickoff against Missouri S&T. Head Coach Chris Hughes embarks on his 15th season at the helm of the Davenport men's soccer program with a total of 153 wins, including 67 victories during the NCAA Division II/GLIAC era. The squad will look to bounce back this season after a subpar 2025 and regain the form that led to reaching the 2024 NCAA Tournament.

Junior goalkeeper Beau Hudd (London, England) gives the team a chance to win every match out with his skills in net. He was named Second Team All-GLIAC as a sophomore after appearing in 17 matches and logging 1,519 minutes. He recorded 78 saves and a .780 save percentage. Junior Ryan Sheffer (Rockford, Mich./Rockford HS) will help solidify the backline. He battled injuries early on in 2025, but came back with nine starts and scored four goals in the process.

Senior Drew Matyunas (Richmond, Mich./Richmond HS) has three years invested into the program and will provide the needed leadership for the Panthers. He was named Honorable Mention All-GLIAC in 2025 and logged 1,338 minutes. Matynuas has played in 51 career games with 35 starts and has four goals and three assists. Sophomore Charlie Davis (London, England) burst onto the scene and earned GLIAC Freshman of the Year honors in 2025. Davis also was named First Team All-Region (D2CCA) and First Team All-GLIAC. He started in all 18 matches and led the team with 16 points, including five goals. 

Drury Matchup 
The Drury Panthers and Davenport Panthers are meeting on the pitch for the first time. Drury is coming off a 8-5-5 campaign and went 7-4-3 in the GLVC. They had a great deal of success at home with a 6-1-2 record. Drury returns Third Team All-GLVC honoree Lui Bull, who led the Panthers with four goals and three assists. Drury returns a total of 23 players from last year's first team and development squad, while welcoming 26 newcomers to the program.

Missouri S&T Matchup 
Davenport and Missouri S&T have played to a 1-1 series. Davenport claimed a 3-2 overtime win back on Sept. 4, 2018 in Caledonia. The Miners picked up a 1-0 win back on Sept. 20, 2024 on their home turf. Hudd made four saves in goal for the Panthers. Missouri S&T was picked eighth in the GLVC Preseason Coaches Poll. They compiled a record of 9-6-3 overall and 7-5-2 in the conference last season. Senior Joao Vieira returns as the top goal scorer for the Miners with six and finished with 14 points. 

Live Coverage: 
Thursday, Aug. 27 at Drury (8:30 PM ET) - Live Video (Hudl TV) - Live Stats
Saturday, Aug. 29 at Missouri S&T (12 PM ET) - Live Video (Hudl TV) - Live Stats