ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Griffon Soccer returns to Craig Field at Spratt Memorial Stadium this week for its first two home matches of the 2026 season, welcoming Wayne State on Wednesday before hosting Maryville on Saturday.
MoWest (1-0-1) is currently scheduled to open the homestand against Wayne State on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 5 p.m. Due to the heat, Wednesday's match could potentially be moved to a later start time. Any change to the scheduled kickoff time will be determined and announced Wednesday morning.
The Griffons will then face Maryville on Saturday, Sept. 5, with kickoff recently moved up to 10 a.m. due to expected heat.
The two matches begin a five-match homestand for the Griffons.
Last Time Out
MoWest enters the week unbeaten through its first two matches of the 2026 season, opening the year with a scoreless draw at Bemidji State before earning a 3-2 road victory over Northern State on Sunday.
After battling Bemidji State to a 0-0 draw in the season opener, the Griffons jumped out to a 2-0 first-half lead against Northern State. Kendall Knisley opened the scoring in the 33rd minute off assists from Kinsey Dufour and Sydney Puetz before Magaly Lopez added another goal just over two minutes later, assisted by Chaleigh Depner.
Northern State answered with two second-half goals to tie the match at 2-2 before Jazlene Alanis delivered the game-winner in the 86th minute off an assist from Rosemary Pujado.
The victory moved the Griffons to 1-0-1 through the opening weekend.
Back at Spratt
Wednesday marks the Griffons' first appearance at Spratt Stadium since their historic 2025 campaign.
MoWest enters its home opener riding a 21-match unbeaten streak at Spratt, posting a 16-0-5 record during the stretch dating back to the 2024 season. The Griffons finished 2025 with a 12-3-7 record, captured the program's first MIAA Postseason Tournament championship and earned a berth in the NCAA Central Regional. MoWest was picked fourth in the 2026 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll with 108 points.
Scouting Wayne State
Wayne State comes to St. Joseph with a 1-0 record after opening its season with a 6-1 victory over Morningside on Friday. Six different Wildcats scored in the victory.
Goalkeeper Alexa Hofstetter played all 90 minutes and made six saves.
Wednesday will mark the second consecutive season the Griffons and Wildcats have met. The teams played to a 1-1 draw in Wayne, Nebraska, last season.
Scouting Maryville
Maryville enters the week 0-2 after opening its season with a pair of road contests against MIAA opponents. The Saints fell 4-0 at Washburn before dropping a 3-2 decision at Emporia State. Maryville will visit Northwest Missouri State on Thursday before making the trip to St. Joseph for Saturday's matchup with the Griffons.
Up Next
Following this week's matches, MoWest remains at home to host Southwestern Oklahoma State on Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 1 p.m. at Spratt Stadium.
