10 Questions With Jamie Clark

SEATTLE – For the past nine months, coach Jamie Clark and his Washington Huskies have had ample opportunities to celebrate and reflect on winning their first-ever NCAA men's soccer championship last December.

But those memorable moments are now tucked away in the back of their minds. The 2026 season is in full swing, and the intensity kicks into a higher gear this week with the start of the Big Ten schedule. The opening kick of conference play is set for Friday when Penn State comes to Husky Soccer Stadium at 7:30 p.m.

Clark, beginning his 16th season at the Husky helm, sat down to take one more quick look back at 2025, then turned his full focus toward 2026.

1.What was it like for you to come into the start of practice as the defending national champions, knowing just one team every season gets to do that?

"It's a pleasure and it's an honor. But it was time to get going again. You know, you're in this business to coach, and you win and you lose. We've done our celebrating, so we're ready to go again."

2. What were one or two of the things you focused on during the offseason to get ready for 2026?

"We knew it was going to be a new season and a new challenge. One of our focuses is always on chance creation. If we're creating chances, we always think we're going to be in every game. There was a lot of attacking emphasis – maybe too much because we've given up too many goals (in early season play). But at the same time, we're creating chances, and when you play against good teams, that's what you've got to do. Our attack is looking good."

3. Among your returners are Harrison Bertos, Zach Ramsey, and Alex Hall, all of whom are on multiple preseason Players to Watch lists. Talk about the importance of having three players of that caliber and what you're looking for from them.

"To win the big games, these guys are going to have to come through for us. We don't like to lean heavily on any single player. But in those big ones, the guys with confidence and bravery and ability are the ones who usually do it. At the end of the day, they'll have some big moments and big games, and that's why we're going to be able to celebrate some good ones."

4. Who are one or two newcomers who have a chance to make some contributions right away?

"We have a couple of grad transfers. Wyatt Lewis (from Notre Dame) has been playing really well. He's a great add to our midfield – an industrious, smart, connecting player. Then Stockton Short (from Utah Tech) is a really good goalkeeper. I've never been in more games (during this season) where teams have scored better goals, so credit to some of those teams. But I think things will even out pretty soon and he's going to have some standout performances."

5. Is there a player whom you think is right on the brink of having a breakout season?

"One of our newcomers, Jake Goetting, is really on the verge of scoring some goals. He has had some great chances and the goalkeepers have made some great saves early in the season. He's a big-time attacking player – powerful, strong, good feet. We're expecting big things out of Jake. We're excited about his future."

6. Each year's team has its own trademark for how it plays and how it wins. What do you think this team's trademark might be?

"We always talk about what can we be the best in the country at, if we're going to do something really well. Last year, we pressed really well. How dynamic we are in the attack, and how fast we go back to front is pretty unique and special. I'm excited about doing that. When teams think they have us pinned in, we're at their goal within three passes. Our pace and dynamism is our calling card this year."

7. You had an opportunity to play a summer tournament in Peru, and did quite well, going undefeated and winning the bronze medal, Then you played a rugged nonconference season schedule with three nationally ranked teams. What stands out to you about the performances in all of those games?

"I like what we've seen. We could probably have one more result in our favor, but we played a really good schedule. Last year at this point, we did get beaten a few times, and I felt there was a delta between the top teams and ourselves. This year, I feel very confident In our group and where we're at. But we do need to shore up the defense. If we can do that, I think we're going to be where we need to be."

8. Speaking of rugged schedules, Big Ten play starts this week. What are your thoughts on the conference this year, knowing it's one of the toughest in the country?

"The conference is playing at an incredibly high level. In. RPI, we're the No. 1 conference by a long way. I think the bottom has moved up – the Wisconsins, the Rutgers, the Ohio States are playing at a really high level. The top has stayed where the top stays – the Marylands and the Indianas. We're going to have to win our home games and go find a result or two on the road, then we're going to be exactly where we need to be. I can't see anyone getting through this slate of games unscathed. I think six wins and a couple od draws will probably get you home in this thing. It starts with getting one against Penn State."

9. Polls ultimately don't win games, but the Huskies were ranked No. 1 nationally and are the Big Ten preseason favorites. You know you're going to be a target and get everyone's best effort every single night, no exceptions.

"I think that's the beauty of it. We're getting better because we're getting the best efforts of others. I've said to the guys that I don't expect us to go unscathed this year because were' going to get such focused performances from other teams. That will make us better along the way. The number of teams we beat last year who want to get their revenge, who have this game circled on their calendars – that's good for us. Occasionally, it might sting a little bit. But we're in the business of getting better, and that's going to make us better."

10. Coaches in every sport head into any new season with a gut feeling about what is possible for their team. What is your gut telling you about the possibilities for this team?

"I think anything is reachable. We have a lot of the same guys coming back, but it's always going to take a good bit of fortune. They have the experience, I know we have the fight in the group. But the most important thing is health. We're still battling through some things right now. If we can come healthy at the right time, the sky is the limit."

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Schedule

Players Mentioned

Harrison Bertos

Jake Goetting

Alex Hall

Wyatt Lewis

Zach Ramsey

Stockton Short

Footer

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Event: Men's Soccer at #2 Indiana on Sep 18, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. PT

Upcoming Event: Men's Soccer at #3 Ohio State on Sep 21, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. PT

Upcoming Event: Men's Soccer versus Rutgers on Sep 25, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. PT

Upcoming Event: Men's Soccer versus Wisconsin on Oct 2, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. PT

Upcoming Event: Men's Soccer versus Northwestern on Oct 10, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. PT

Results

Completed Event: Men's Soccer versus Penn State on September 11, 2026 , Win , 4, to, 2

Completed Event: Men's Soccer versus UC Davis on September 5, 2026 , Win , 4, to, 0

Completed Event: Men's Soccer versus Cal State Fullerton on September 3, 2026 , Tie , 2, to, 2

Completed Event: Men's Soccer at #25 Oregon State on August 30, 2026 , Loss , 3, to, 4

Completed Event: Men's Soccer versus #3 Portland on August 27, 2026 , Win , 4, to, 2