Season Opener Sets the Stage
Siena’s men’s soccer squad will begin its 2026 campaign on August 20, traveling to Newark, New Jersey, where they will meet NJIT at Lubetkin Field. The match marks the Saints’ first away game of the season and adds another chapter to a series that has favored Siena, which holds a 2‑0 all‑time record over the Highlanders, with victories in 2008 and 2024.
The optimism surrounding the opener is rooted in a roster that returns the core of a team that reached the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Senior forward Lucas Almeida, the Metro Preseason Player of the Year, led the Saints with ten goals and 25 points last year, becoming the first Siena player since 2012 to hit double‑digit goals. His presence adds a potent attacking threat that opponents will have to contend with.
Guarding the net will be junior goalkeeper Bennet Glinder, who earned Preseason All‑Metro honors after starting all 19 games in 2025. He posted 73 saves, recorded five shutouts and maintained a 1.28 goals‑against average, providing the defensive stability that helped the team punch above its weight.
Key Players and Coaching Vision
Other key contributors include midfielder Campbell Stalker, who contributed five goals and 12 points, and forward Lee Mara, whose eight points featured the golden goal in the 2025 semifinal that propelled Siena to its first conference championship. Their experience will be vital as the Saints navigate a demanding 17‑game schedule.
Head coach Graciano Brito, now in his seventh season, has guided the program to its inaugural conference title and earned two preseason selections in the Metro Coaches’ Poll. Brito’s leadership has transformed the culture around the program and set a foundation for continued growth.
Schedule and Upcoming Challenges
The schedule will test the Saints early, with a home game against Boston College slated for August 23 before the team moves on to the Metro Championship in November. The championship bracket begins on November 7, with quarterfinals, semifinals and the final scheduled for the 11th and 14th, respectively.
NJIT enters the match after a 2025 season that saw them finish 3‑9‑5 overall and 1‑4‑2 in America East play, missing the conference tournament. While the Highlanders will be looking to upset the Saints, Siena’s blend of veteran talent and fresh energy suggests they are well‑positioned to extend their winning streak.
Fans can expect an exciting start to the season, as the team aims to translate preseason accolades into on‑field success and keep the momentum heading toward the November championship.