A Program Poised for Growth
Macalester College’s men’s soccer team is currently listed at No. 13 in the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division III preseason Top 25, a placement that underscores the program’s steady ascent over the past two seasons.
The Scots look to build on a 2025 campaign that culminated in a second MIAC Playoff championship, a six‑game winning streak to close the regular season, and an automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament.
Coach Gregg Olson, who has guided the program for more than two decades, will again direct a squad that returns 19 players, including ten who logged at least ten starts a year ago.
Key Returners and Honors
Senior midfielder Kasdan Blattman earned second‑team All‑American honors after collecting All‑Region and All‑MIAC selections, while forward Zach Liptzin and sophomore midfielder Gaven Johnson received All‑MIAC honorable‑mention recognition.
The team’s defensive cohesion helped them defeat Gustavus and top‑seeded St. Olaf in the MIAC final, securing the automatic NCAA bid and marking the program’s 13th appearance in the national tournament.
Although the 2025 run ended with a 2‑1 loss to seventh‑ranked Wheaton, the Scots closed the season with a 14‑2‑5 record and a Sweet 16 appearance that highlighted their progress.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The 2026 schedule opens with home matches against UW‑Platteville on September 1 and Wartburg on September 6, the first games since the program’s last preseason poll appearance in 2016. With a blend of experienced seniors and promising underclassmen, Macalester aims to translate its preseason optimism into another deep tournament run.