There’s no easing into the 2026 season for Virginia Peninsula Community College’s men’s soccer team. The Gators start off with four games the first eight days, including on three consecutive days. Al Cousineau, beginning his second year as coach, isn’t complaining.
“I don’t mind being challenged right out of the gate,” he said.
The Gators open with a game at Mid-Atlantic Christian University on Aug. 23, followed by home matches against Wake Technical Community College on Aug. 28 and Shaw University on Aug. 29. The hectic stretch concludes at Patrick & Henry Community College on Aug. 30. Wake Tech and P&H are Region 10 contests.
“They’re a solid program,” Cousineau said of Wake Tech, “which is great because you want to see somebody significant early so the kids know where the bar is.
“It’s one of the toughest regions in the junior college system. These games are definitely going to test where we are as a program.”
In September, the Gators start with four consecutive Region 10 contests, the first three on the road. Their last four matches of the month are all at home, and only one is non-conference.
“That’s when we should be playing our best soccer,” Cousineau said. “The guys should know each other.”
The Gators play their home matches at Wanner Stadium in Williamsburg, the WISC outdoor fields, and Kiln Creek Park in York County.
“Wanner Stadium is one of the premier sites for a junior college to have,” Cousineau said. “We’re blessed to be able to play there.”
Last year, Cousineau was working on the schedule during the season. Having it completed this early allows the players to adjust their classes and other responsibilities around the games. That has been an issue in the past.
“Commitment by the players will make or break the season,” he said.
Ten players are returning from last year, which is more than in previous seasons, but working with the newcomers is important as well.
“The kids have to be introduced to see what it’s like to compete at the college level,” Cousineau said. “The whole thrust of our preseason is getting them to play faster, think faster, (and) be ready for a more physical game. It’s a lot different from the high school level.”
Fitness will be a big adjustment. Few high schools play four games in eight days or on three consecutive days.
“We’re going to have to be able to play these games at a high level, turnaround with a recovery day, and get back on the field,” Cousineau said.
He compared it to running a 5K one day and running another fewer than 48 hours later.
“That, in and of itself, is probably the biggest challenge,” he said. “But when you have a schedule like this, you play yourself into shape. You don’t have a choice.”
Staying healthy and minimizing injuries are important.
“We want to improve each and every week, and this schedule definitely will offer us challenges and maybe a chance to win more games than we did last year,” he said, when the Gators went 2-9.
The first official practice is Aug. 1.
“I feel like we’re going to hit the ground running, and that includes the coach,” he said.
Anyone interested in playing can contact Cousineau at cousineaua@vpcc.edu or athletics@vpcc.edu.
For more information on Gators athletics, go to www.vpccgators.com.
