A Promising Start
The UVM men’s soccer squad opened its preseason campaign with a 2‑0 victory over Central Connecticut at Virtue Field in Burlington, Vermont. Goals from sophomore forward David Ismail and freshman midfielder Philipp Schmidtke settled the contest, giving the team an early boost under first‑year head coach Adrian Dubois.
Dubois, who took over the program this spring, praised the win but cautioned that the squad still has work to do. He highlighted the integration of 14 newcomers and the need to gel quickly before the regular season begins.
Key Moments in the Shootout
The match was decided in a penalty shootout, where senior goalkeeper Christian Rodriguez’s save in the fifth round helped Vermont edge out a 4‑3 victory. The shootout underscored the team’s depth and the coach’s confidence in the new roster.
Looking Ahead
Next up, the Catamounts will face Yale in an exhibition on Sunday before opening the official schedule on August 20 against George Mason. The upcoming fixtures will test the early chemistry that Dubois has been eager to cultivate. As the team moves forward, the blend of experienced returnees and fresh talent will be put to the test against tougher opponents. Dubois remains optimistic that the early wins can translate into a competitive season, provided the squad continues to improve its cohesion and tactical discipline.