Northwestern’s men’s soccer program enters the 2026 season riding the momentum of a solid 2025 campaign that ended with an 8‑6‑3 record and a memorable 2‑0 win over No. 17 Indiana.
Coach Russell Payne will guide the squad this year, even as the team bids farewell to several key contributors, among them midfielder Joe Suchecki, who earned Second Team All‑Big Ten honors in 2025.
Among those returning are forward Aaron O’Reilly, a former Big Ten All‑Freshman Team member, and sophomore midfielder Peter Reisz, both expected to provide continuity and leadership on the field.
A roster reshaped but the ambition remains
The Wildcats have bolstered their lineup with a series of transfers — Ethan Nakolo from Oklahoma Christian, Marco Silva of Pitt, Andrew Millar from Vermont, Gabe Smyth of St. John’s, and goalkeeper Gino Cervoni from Hofstra — while assistant coach Joe Moulden, previously at Butler, joins the staff to add depth to the coaching ranks.
Northwestern’s 2026 recruiting class has been ranked No. 23 by Top Drawer Soccer, bringing fresh talent as the team prepares for a challenging Big Ten schedule that includes a matchup against the reigning NCAA champion Washington.