The Georgetown Hoyas men's soccer squad, currently sitting at No.5 in the national rankings, will open their season at home against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Sunday evening, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Shaw Field. The match will be streamed live on ESPN+, marking the first of what promises to be a highly anticipated non‑conference showdown.
Adding to the broadcast's appeal, longtime Hoyas alumni Dan Helfrich and Tom Greaser will share the commentary booth, marking their 22nd season together on the call. Their presence underscores the deep ties between the program and its former players, who will provide insight into the team's tactics and history.
A rivalry renewed
Georgetown's opening test came just a week earlier, when the Hoyas played to a 1‑1 draw with the North Carolina Tar Heels. Mitchell Baker struck the equalizer in the 60th minute, while junior goalkeeper Charlie DeMarco logged all 90 minutes, making five saves to preserve the stalemate.
The team's preseason expectations were reinforced when Mitchell Baker earned BIG EAST Preseason Offensive Player of the Year honors and Tate Lampman was named BIG EAST Preseason Defensive Player of the Year. The Hoyas were tabbed as preseason favorites in the BIG EAST East Division, collecting 66 points and eleven first‑place votes.
Rutgers arrives in Washington, D.C., fresh off a 0‑0‑1 start after a scoreless tie at American University. Coach Jim McElderry, in his eighth year at the helm, guided the Scarlet Knights to their first Big Ten Tournament championship in 2022, and he will be looking to translate that success into a strong showing against the Hoyas.
Historically, Georgetown holds a 10‑6‑2 edge over Rutgers, with a 6‑3 record in home meetings. The last encounter in 2012 ended in a 1‑0 overtime victory for the Hoyas, a reminder that the series has often favored the home side.