Season Opener at Corcoran Field
The Mastodon men's soccer squad will step onto the historic Corcoran Field in Cincinnati on August 20 to face the Xavier Musketeers, marking the first test of the 2026 schedule. The game serves as a non‑league opener that sets the tone for a season in which the team hopes to translate last year’s Horizon League Championship appearance into a conference title.
Head coach John Higgins, now in his fourth year at the helm, brings a proven track record of stability and growth. After a twelve‑year stint at Division II powerhouse UIndy where he amassed 150 victories, Higgins took over the Mastodons in 2022 and has since guided the program through a period of rapid development, culminating in the 2025 championship game.
The 2026 roster blends experience with fresh talent. Returning star Gun Ha Lee, who contributed three goals and an assist in 2025, will once again anchor the attack, while newcomers such as Jordan Rodgers, Nico Mullen and Marko Martsinkovsky are expected to add depth and versatility. Aidan Antcliff, who previously wore the Mastodon colors from 2022 to 2024 before a transfer to Memphis, returns to the fold, bringing veteran savvy to the midfield.
Xavier enters the matchup with a strong preseason pedigree, having finished the 2025 season with a 5‑6‑4 record in the BIG EAST and a third‑place preseason ranking in the Midwest Division. The Musketeers hold a 3‑0‑0 edge over the Mastodons in their recent series, with victories in 2011, 2012 and 2015, making the upcoming contest a focal point for fans of both programs.
The Mastodons will travel to Dayton for their next test on August 31, a week after the Xavier opener. The brief hiatus should allow the coaching staff to fine‑tune tactics and integrate the new recruits. With returning All‑League first‑team members Shane Anderson, Iann Topete and Andrew Hollenbach, as well as assistant coach Iann Topete, the team appears poised to contend for another Horizon League championship.