The Denison University men's soccer program, known as the Big Red, entered the 2025 season with lofty expectations, and the team delivered, capturing the nation's top ranking and a berth in the NCAA Tournament.
A 12‑match unbeaten streak to open the year, highlighted by a 9‑0‑1 start, set the tone for a campaign that would see the Red finish with a 15‑3‑3 record and an unblemished 7‑0‑2 home slate.
Returning talent fuels optimism
Key contributors from the previous roster are set to anchor the squad in 2026. Forward Eli Taylor, who netted six goals and supplied three game‑winning strikes, returns after tying for second in conference scoring, while midfielder Kaden Kist, the conference's assist leader with eight helpers, brings playmaking depth.
Goalkeeper Alex Provost, who topped the conference in shutouts and save percentage, also returns between the posts, giving the defense a reliable last line of defense.
A challenging slate ahead
The 2026 schedule features marquee matchups against traditional rivals such as Carnegie Mellon, Oberlin and Wooster, as well as non‑conference tests against Capital and the University of Pennsylvania.
Coach Dan McGowan emphasizes that the team will stick to the formula that worked in 2025 — disciplined defending, quick transitions and a relentless home‑field advantage — while seeking to improve on the narrow loss in the NCAC Championship game.
Despite falling short against DePauw in the conference title match, the Big Red finished the season with a strong showing in the NCAA first round, edging Washington and Lee 1‑0 before bowing out in the second round. The experience gained should prove invaluable as the program looks to repeat its formula and push for a deeper tournament run next spring.