DENVER, Colo. – East Central University soccer officially kicked off the 2026 campaign Thursday night, opening the season on the road against Regis University. The Tigers battled through a competitive first half and entered the break trailing by just one, but Regis pulled away with a pair of second-half goals as ECU fell 3-0.
Melieah Hinnant recorded the first shot of the 2026 season for the Tigers eight minutes into the match, sending her attempt just wide of the right post. Regis would break through in the 16th minute, scoring on a header to take a 1-0 lead.
ECU continued to battle throughout the opening half, with
Sophie Maldonado recording her first collegiate shot in her debut. Her attempt came in the 18th minute but missed just to the right as the Tigers continued to look for an equalizer.
The Tigers entered halftime within one goal, with the two teams combining for just six shots in the opening 45 minutes. Regis held a 4-2 advantage in shots, while ECU goalkeeper
Parker Frei made one save to keep the Tigers within reach.
Regis came out with increased offensive pressure in the second half, outshooting ECU 13-1 over the final 45 minutes. The Rangers added their second goal in the 65th minute before finding the back of the net again just 72 seconds later to extend the lead to 3-0.
Isabella Vasquez recorded ECU's lone shot of the second half as the Tigers were unable to generate an offensive response against the increased Regis pressure.
Regis finished the match with a 17-3 advantage in shots and an 8-0 edge in shots on goal, while ECU held a 2-1 advantage in corner kicks in the second half.
The Tigers will look to bounce back in their next non-conference matchup on Sunday, August 30 against Pittsburg State University at 1 pm.
