The Northwestern Wildcats men’s soccer team concluded last season with an 8‑6‑3 record, a solid performance that nonetheless excluded them from both the Big Ten and the NCAA Division I tournament.
Roster Turnover and New Faces
The program addressed its needs by bringing in ten fresh players, ranging from promising goalkeepers to versatile outfield talent, while also navigating the loss of key seniors who moved on to other programs.
Among those who departed were standout starters such as Joe Suchecki, Nigel Prince and Jayvin Van Deventer, who graduated, as well as goalkeeper Rafa Ponce de León, who transferred to Rutgers, leaving a noticeable gap in experience.
Guarding the Goal
Early indications suggest that Gino Cervoni, a transfer from Hofstra who posted a strong record last season, will likely inherit the starting goalkeeper role, while the team evaluates other options to fill the void left by Ponce de León.
Defensively, veterans Fritz Volmar and Bryant Mayer are expected to anchor the back line, with Andrew Johnson, who can operate at both left back and center back, providing additional flexibility.
Midfield Momentum
The midfield will be anchored by a blend of returning experience and new blood, featuring Baraka Tarleton, Tyler Glassberg, Evrit Fisher and Andrew Millar, each bringing a mix of pace, creativity and defensive grit.
Attacking Options
Up front, the Wildcats rely on returning scorers Peter Riesz and Aaron O’Reilly, the latter having led the team in goals last season, while several newcomers and versatile players add depth to the attacking options.
Looking Ahead
The team’s first exhibition match is scheduled for August 8 against Bradley, after which the regular season will open twelve days later with a contest against New Haven, setting the stage for the new‑look Wildcats to test their chemistry.
With a balanced mix of youthful energy and seasoned leadership, the Wildcats hope to translate their depth into a competitive edge, aiming to reclaim a postseason berth and make a deeper run than the previous campaign.