The Princeton University men’s soccer program enters the 2026 season riding the momentum of a historic 2025 campaign that delivered an Ivy League regular‑season championship, an Ivy tournament victory and a No. 3 seed in the NCAA tournament. The team is currently positioned eighth in the United Soccer Coaches preseason poll, a testament to the impact of a roster that combined elite talent with a deep bench.
A Historic 2025 Campaign
Eleven seniors who anchored the 2025 triumph have moved on, but the program retains a core of experienced players, including goalkeeper Andrew Samuels, who earned Ivy Defensive Player of the Year honors, and forward/midfielder Bardia Hormozi, a two‑time All‑Ivy selection with six goals and four assists last year.
Rebuilding With Experience
The attacking third will be anchored by Hormozi alongside returning contributors Jackson Martin, Ian Nunez and Kevin Kelley, each of whom added multiple goals or assists in the previous season. Freshmen Julien Lacher, Noah Hammerschmidt and Jonah Mwilambwe are expected to inject fresh energy into the midfield, while the back line will be anchored by junior defender Roka Tsunehara, a second‑team All‑Ivy pick.
Coaching Vision
Head coach Jim Barlow has repeatedly emphasized a culture of competition and depth, noting that the team’s physical transition will be offset by a collective work ethic. Barlow’s philosophy centers on leveraging the experience of returning players while giving emerging talent opportunities to prove themselves in high‑pressure moments.
With a blend of seasoned leaders and promising newcomers, the Tigers aim to prove that their 2025 success was not a flash in the pan but the foundation of a sustained competitive presence in the coming years.