Providence College’s men’s soccer team will open the 2026 season with a home match against Sacred Heart on August 20, kicking off at 7:00 p.m. at Anderson Stadium in Providence, Rhode Island. The game marks the first test for a roster that blends proven veterans with a fresh influx of talent.
The Friars finished the previous season with a 6‑7‑3 record, securing third place in the BIG EAST East Division and earning a No. 4 seed in the conference tournament. Their performance underscored a competitive spirit that carried through to the semifinals, where they fell to Georgetown.
Key returnees anchor the squad. Graduate student Sam Montalto, a 2025 ALL‑BIG EAST Third Team selection, led the team with five goals and three assists last year. Sophomore midfielder Angelo Ventrella matched that output, while senior defender Brandon Marshall, a 2026 USL2 Defender of the Year honoree, returns for his fourth season.
Adding depth, the program welcomes 14 newcomers, including seven transfers and seven freshmen. Among them are midfielders Caleb Williams and Tino Kneis, who join a group that also features newcomers such as Ryan Carney, Fernando Garcia Gil, Daniel Losfablos, Ivan Morcillo and Danny Istambouli.
A Historic Rivalry Renewed
Providence holds a 7‑0‑0 all‑time record against Sacred Heart, with the last meeting dating back to 2019, giving the Friars a psychological edge as they prepare to defend that streak. Coach staff is expected to lean on the experience of Marshall and the scoring prowess of Montalto and Ventrella while giving younger players like Williams and Kneis opportunities to contribute early. The matchup against Sacred Heart, who finished 2025 with an 8‑6‑2 record, will be a litmus test for the Friars’ depth and tactical flexibility.