GRANTHAM, Pa. – With the 2024 Messiah men's soccer season beginning on Friday, check out the season preview below.
2023 Season Recap
The Falcons finished the 2023 season with a 20-1-1 overall record with a 7-0 record in MAC Commonwealth play. The Falcons claimed their fifth-straight and 21st Conference Championship with a 3-0 win over Widener University. The Falcons fell in the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament in a 1-0 battle with Ohio Northern.
Roster Outlook
The Falcons lost seven key players from the 2023 season, but are returning a solid core, with some strong new additions to the 2024 roster. Returning to the Falcons forward line is 2023 MAC Commonwealth Rookie of the Year
Sam Phillips, along with
Josh Bratager,
Stefan Leitzel, and
Patrick Lee.
Josh Bratager,
Jarec Morlote,
Isaac Schmitke,
Ethan Gregory,
Matt Schumacher, and
Jordan Gilman all return giving depth to the Falcons midfield. The Falcons defense which allowed only seven goals in 2023 returns
Ben Vollmer,
Caleb Aldridge,
Davis Pagett,
Matt Griffin,
Davis Rody, and
Luke Foster. Second-Team All-Region goalkeeper
Adam Carter returns in net for the Falcons, looking to build off an impressive 2023 season.
2024 Schedule Preview
The Falcons open the 2024 season on the road at the University of Scranton on Friday, Aug. 30 at 7:00 p.m. The Falcons play nine games at Shoemaker Field this season, with the home opener on Thursday, Sept. 5 against Cal Lutheran at 7:00 p.m. The Falcons play one preseason top 25 team when they travel to No. 8 Mary Washington on Sept. 28 at 1:00 p.m.
United Soccer Coaches Preseason Top 20
| 1. St. Olaf College |
11. Calvin University |
| 2. Amherst College |
12. Montclair St. |
| 3. Washington & Lee University |
13. Cortland |
| 4. Washington College (Md.) |
14. Occidental College |
| 5. Middlebury College |
15. Ohio Northern University |
| 6. Colorado College |
16. University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire |
| 7. University of Chicago |
17. Franklin & Marshall College |
| 8. Connecticut College |
18. Messiah University |
| 9. University of Mary Washington |
19. Kenyon College |
| 10. Tufts University |
20. Emory University |
MAC Commonwealth Preseason Poll
- Messiah – 49 (6)
- Widener – 43 (2)
- Alvernia – 36
- York – 31
- Stevenson – 27
- Eastern – 18
- Hood – 12
- Albright - 9
