MORROW — Little Miami opened the 2026 soccer season Friday night with a split against Sycamore, as the Panthers girls picked up a 2-1 victory while the boys fell 4-1 in the nightcap.

The girls' victory provided Little Miami with an early-season win as the Panthers began their campaign at home. Sycamore scored once, but Little Miami held on for the 2-1 decision to start the season 1-0. The result was a reversal from last season's meeting between the programs, when Sycamore defeated Little Miami 5-1. Senior Elly Goins and sophomore Jessa Mueller logged a pair of goals, and junior Haley Jackson added an assist. Defensively, senior goalkeeper Lexi Willis accumulated 20 saves while only allowing one Aviator goal (.952) on the evening.

The Panthers entered the season with a young roster and a new head coach in Jeff Woodson. Woodson took over the Little Miami boys program in February after the Panthers graduated 11 seniors from a 2025 team that captured the first district championship in school history.

Friday's boys match was the first test of a new era for Little Miami, but Sycamore came away with a 4-1 victory. Despite the loss, the Panthers now turn their attention to the remainder of the opening week. Little Miami's boys are scheduled to host Lakota East at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18.

The girls will return to action Monday, Aug. 17, traveling to Miamisburg for a 7 p.m. match.

The Friday night doubleheader gave Little Miami an early split and, for the girls, an opportunity to build momentum on the heels of an important opening-night victory.

For the Panthers boys, the season continues Tuesday with another opportunity to begin building under Woodson and establish a new identity following last year's historic district-title run. Lastly, a special thank you to house photographer Doug McKinley for catching all the action in the galleries below.