WASHINGTON (August 7, 2026) – Howard University women's soccer team renews its rivalry with Hampton in the second annual HBCU Invitational Saturday (Aug. 22). Match time is slated for 7 p.m., at Audi Field, home to D.C. United (MLS), DC Power FC (Gainbridge Super League) and the Washington Spirit (NWSL).
 
The invitational underscores the rising visibility of HBCU women's soccer, giving student-athletes a chance to compete at one of the nation's premier soccer venues.
 
"Audi Field was built to be more than our home. It was built to be a stage for this city," said Danita Johnson, President of Business Operations for D.C. United. "This building has welcomed All-Star Games, international sides and championship soccer. Hampton and Howard belong in that company. I am proud that this invitational is becoming part of what Audi Field is known for."
 
Following the success of last year's inaugural event, the invitational returns to further celebrate the talent, tradition and excellence of HBCU women's soccer.
 
"Last August showed us exactly what this event can be," said Janine Brunson-Johnson, Senior Director of Events & Entertainment at D.C. United. "Welcoming Hampton and Howard back to Audi Field lets us build on that foundation and keep giving these student-athletes a professional environment that matches the level they compete at."
 
The matchup returns during a period of sustained growth for women's soccer in D.C., much of it centered on Audi Field. The stadium is home to two professional women's clubs: DC Power FC, which has now completed two seasons in the USL Super League at the venue, and the Washington Spirit, who reached the NWSL Championship in each of the last two seasons and sold out four consecutive home playoff matches at Audi Field, including crowds of 19,215 and 19,365 during the 2025 postseason.
 
Together, those events place the HBCU Invitational inside one of the most significant years for women's soccer the region has seen and they reinforce why access to a professional stage matters.
 
"The history between these two iconic institutions dates back more than a century," said Howard Vice President and Director of Athletics Kery Davis. "It began on the gridiron, then evolved over time in other sports like men's and women's basketball, softball and women's soccer. For both women's soccer teams getting opportunities to compete in a professional stadium, it brings visibility to HBCU women's athletics. We would like to thank Danita Johnson, D.C. United and Audi Field for hosting this incredible event for the second straight year."
 
Howard won the inaugural meeting 4-1 last August at Audi Field, moving the all-time series record to 4-1 in favor of the Bison.
 
"The inaugural match meant a lot to our players and program," said Howard Women's Soccer Head Coach Brent Leiba. "Playing in an incredible venue like Audi Field brought an atmosphere of excitement and professionalism that left lifelong memories to our players, staff and supporters. We are very much looking forward to returning to Audi Field to continue our incredible rivalry versus Hampton and bring back the "Battle of the Real HU" to such an amazing venue! This experience is important to the continued growth of our game and to have two of the best HBCU women's soccer programs participate is an honor and hopefully inspires families and youth soccer players to envision attending and playing at our prestigious institutions or any HBCUs to fulfill their academic and athletic aspirations."
 
General tickets, group tickets and suites for the HBCU Invitational are on sale now to the general public.
 
On Aug. 19, Howard kicks off the 2026 campaign hosting crosstown rival George Washington at Greene Stadium. Match time is slated for 7 p.m.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com, and/or the Audi Field website at www.audifielddc.com.