The RIT Tigers will begin the 2026 men's soccer season on September 1, hosting Brockport in their first test of the year. The matchup marks the start of a schedule that will feature 16 regular‑season games, nine of them against Liberty League rivals and a marquee showdown with defending champions Hobart.
Leadership and Experience
Mauricio Gonzalez Calderon, Gabriel Zaninetti and Constantine Santacrose have been named co‑captains for the upcoming campaign. Their combined experience provides a steadying presence as the team integrates a wave of newcomers, while also drawing on the lessons of a competitive 2025 season.
Among the returning players, Idriss Diallo emerged as the offensive catalyst in 2025, finishing with 15 points after scoring five goals and adding five assists. Goalkeeper Kristian Dobbek also posted a stellar defensive record, posting a 0.93 goals‑against average and a .800 save percentage.
New Faces and Tactical Shifts
The roster will see a shift in roles as well. Adrian Sobczak, who anchored the defense for the past two seasons, will now operate in an attacking capacity, while midfielders Zaninetti, Tate Pottle and Daniel Sucato return to help orchestrate play. Fresh faces such as Tony Shin, Alejandro Ortega and Sebastien Mott are expected to add depth and versatility.
Fourteen new players will join the squad, including nine first‑year athletes and five transfers. The influx brings a blend of speed and technical skill that the coaching staff believes can challenge the established hierarchy and inject fresh energy into the team's dynamics.
A Schedule Packed with Challenges
The Tigers' calendar includes the annual Rochester Derby and several high‑stakes Liberty League fixtures. A particular focus will be the encounter with Hobart, the team that captured the league title in the previous season, as RIT looks to avenge last year's loss and assert its own ambitions.
With a blend of veteran leadership, tactical experimentation and a promising influx of talent, the 2026 campaign promises to be a pivotal chapter for the RIT men's soccer program. Fans can expect a season filled with competitive matches, strategic evolution and the continued development of a culture built around resilience and collective ambition.