When the schedules are finalized and released, a bit of excitement is generated among the players, their eyes quickly panning over the list of games and lighting up whenever one of those
dates is spotted. Circled on the teams' calendars, of course, are meetings with rivals, along with the "revenge" games and "something to prove" measuring-stick matchups. But that can apply to fans and observers, too.There will be plenty of must-see girls soccer games over the coming seven weeks, and here are 10 of them.
Sept. 5
Harrison vs. Oceanside
After a run to the Section 1 Class AA final last fall, the Huskies will test themselves immediately, traveling to face one of Long Island's best large-school teams. Oceanside reached the Class AAA state semifinals last season.
Sept. 9
Rye vs. Albertus Magnus
We'll
only have to wait a week into the regular season to see, perhaps, the two best teams in New York square off. Rye went undefeated last season and Albertus Magnus almost did — but for a loss to Rye — before going on to win another state title.
Sept. 12
St. Anthony's vs. Albertus Magnus
The Falcons squeeze another marquee matchup in their week, hosting St. Anthony's of Long Island, a perennial CHSAA state championship contender.
Sept. 19
Briarcliff vs. Pleasantville
The neighboring rivals meet for their annual "Break The Hold" fundraiser game, which typically draws a large audience to Pace University. The event, held in honor of Pleasantville grad Brian Halloran, seeks to promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention. As well, both teams were sectional runners-up in their respective classes.
Sept. 26
Croton-Harmon vs. Bronxville
Croton is a team that some local coaches consider a sleeper that could take a significant step forward, particularly after a move down to Class B. Bronxville, of course, has the pedigree and would represent the measuring stick.
Sept. 29
Clarkstown South vs. Nyack
It's a meeting of two of the better Rockland County teams that sometimes fly under the radar. Clarkstown won this meeting, 1-0, last season, but Nyack returns a considerable portion of an improving core.
Oct. 5
Albertus Magnus vs. Rutgers Prep
The Falcons have plenty of high-profile games coming up, but this trip to New Jersey to face the No. 1-ranked team in the nation, according to United Soccer Coaches, might be their greatest challenge.
Oct. 9
North Rockland vs. John Jay-East Fishkill
This one might be a revenge game for North Rockland. The Raiders went on to overcome their nemesis Arlington, capturing the Section 1 Class AAA title and reaching the regional final, but they were swept by John Jay in the regular season and the Patriots are quietly a contender.
Oct. 10
Pleasantville vs. Rye
These teams met in the Class A section final and, despite a 2-0 loss, Pleasantville gave Rye one of its toughest battles. The Panthers are in Class B this season, but both teams returned several key players and the matchup could be even more competitive.
Oct. 13
Yorktown vs. Lakeland
They met in the Class AA sectional quarterfinals last fall and Yorktown eked out an exciting 3-2 win. In this meeting, at this point in the season, they could be jockeying for playoff seeding. They're among the teams that could benefit most from Albertus Magnus moving up to 'AAA.'
Stephen Haynes covers sports for The Journal News/lohud.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Here are 10 must-watch girls soccer games in the 2026 regular season
