Season Opener Preview
The DePaul Blue Demons will kick off their 2026 men’s soccer campaign on Thursday, August 20, when they host Bradley at Shea Stadium. The match, scheduled for 6 p.m. Central Time, will be streamed live on ESPN+.
Under head coach Mark Plotkin, the squad blends 16 veterans with 12 newcomers, featuring five transfers and seven freshmen. Plotkin, who has guided the program through three seasons, brings a 3‑2‑3 record in season‑opening games to the new campaign.
Among the returning offensive threats are Noeh Hernandez, Keagan Pace and Liam Mullins, all of whom contributed to the Blue Demons’ top‑20 national rankings in shots per game and corner kicks last season. Hernandez earned a spot on the preseason All‑BIG EAST team selected by league coaches.
Goalkeeper Hayden Vostal, a junior who saw limited action a year ago, is expected to compete for the starting role, while graduate student Ethan Gordon returns for his final collegiate season after appearing in all 43 of his career matches.
Bradley arrives with a 2‑9‑6 record from 2025 and will field a new goalkeeper, but the team retains eight players who have been on campus for at least three seasons, including preseason all‑conference pick Mitch Coughlon.
The upcoming clash marks the 13th meeting in the series, where Bradley holds a 7‑2‑3 edge. The two programs have faced off in three straight seasons, most recently in a preseason exhibition at Wish Field in 2024.
DePaul’s all‑time record in season‑opening matches stands at 14‑23‑6, but the Blue Demons are 2‑0‑1 in the last three openers, having played to a 3‑3 draw with Purdue Fort Wayne in 2025. Plotkin’s 3‑2‑3 opener record adds a personal note of optimism as the team looks to build on its recent momentum.