A fresh start for the Lions
The 2026 regular season for Lindenwood Men’s Soccer kicks off on Thursday, August 20, when the Lions host Chicago State University at Hunter Stadium.
Lindenwood enters the new campaign riding the momentum of a 14‑3‑4 record in 2025, a conference regular‑season crown, a tournament championship and a historic first Division I national tournament berth secured by defeating HCU in a penalty shootout.
Head coach Kris Bertsch, named 2025 OVC Coach of the Year, begins his fourth season at the helm, while returning forward Luca Bartoni, the 2025 OVC Forward of the Year and Tournament MVP, is expected to lead the attack after posting seven goals and five assists in 21 matches last year.
The team was tabbed as preseason favorites in the Ohio Valley Conference poll, earning 11 of 16 first‑place votes, and Bartoni was also highlighted as a player to watch for the Lions.
Adding to the coaching staff, Associate Head Coach Glodi Konga brings experience from Liberty University, New College of Florida and Eastern University, bolstering the program’s tactical depth.
Chicago State, which finished 1‑15‑1 in 2025 with its only win coming against Stonehill College, will meet Lindenwood for the second straight season, underscoring the growing rivalry.
The Lions’ schedule also includes matches against IU Indy on August 24 and Blackburn College on August 26, offering early tests as the team looks to maintain its upward trajectory.