Thursday, August 20 at 7 p.m., Marist University’s men’s soccer squad will host Stony Brook at Tenney Stadium, with the game streamed live on ESPN+. The opening whistle marks the beginning of a season that promises both familiar faces and fresh ambitions for the Red Foxes.
Preseason Recognition
The team entered the year tied for fifth in the Metro Preseason Coaches' Poll, a testament to the confidence coaches have in the program’s trajectory. Adding to the optimism, sixteen players from the previous roster return, including senior standouts Adriano Iannello and Gijs Verheul, who earned spots on the 2026 Preseason All‑Metro Team.
Junior captain Chris Verheul has also been named to the Missouri Athletic Club Hermann Trophy Watch List, underscoring his status among the nation’s top collegiate forwards.
Non‑Conference Roadmap
Marist’s early slate features six non‑conference opponents, highlighted by a three‑game homestand and two contests on the West Coast. The schedule will culminate with a September 15 showdown against UAlbany, after which the team will transition to conference play.
Conference action begins on September 19 when Mount visits Tenney Stadium, setting the tone for the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference campaign.
Stony Brook’s Prospects
Stony Brook arrives as the preseason favorite to finish second in the CAA North Division, a placement that reflects both respect for their recent performances and anticipation of a strong push. Forward Finlay Olivar earned preseason All‑Conference honors for the Seawolves, adding a potent attacking threat to their lineup.
The upcoming clash will mark the ninth meeting between the two programs, with Marist holding a 3‑5 record in previous encounters. The most recent meeting, a 1‑0 victory for the Red Foxes on August 21, 2025, adds a narrative thread of redemption as the teams reconvene.
Looking ahead, Marist’s next test arrives just three days after the Stony Brook opener, as they travel to face Air Force on August 23 at 7 p.m., again on ESPN+. The early schedule offers a blend of home comforts and road challenges that will test the squad’s depth and resilience.