Harvard’s men’s soccer team is set to open the 2026‑27 season with a high‑stakes in‑state clash against UMass on August 28, kicking off at 6 p.m. on Jordan Field and streaming live on ESPN+.
A storied rivalry reignites
The upcoming meeting adds another chapter to a rivalry that dates back to 1975, a series in which the Crimson hold a 18‑3‑3 advantage and have gone unbeaten at home for more than a decade.
UMass, now competing in the Summit League, arrived after opening its season with a 2‑2 draw against Bryant and a 3‑1 win over UConn, showing early promise despite a youthful squad.
Veteran firepower leads the charge
Harvard counters with a veteran‑laden lineup that returns nine seniors, including leading scorer Adam Poliakov and team captain Andreas Savva, who together anchor the attack and distribution.
The schedule also pits the Crimson against four Massachusetts opponents — BU, Northeastern and Stonehill — before a power‑four showdown with Notre Dame on August 31.
Adding a historic footnote, alumnus Matt Freese became the first Harvard‑affiliated player to appear at the 2026 World Cup, representing the United States on soccer’s biggest stage.