Men's Soccer Season Preview

The 2024 men's soccer season ended with the Cardinals ranked number 12 in the nation in the United Soccer Coaches polls. The Cardinals had a strong showing in 2024, with a record of 13-4-3 and an impressive performance in Scenic West play, going 8-3-3 in conference. Leading goal scorer Ismael Mane received All-American honors for 2024, which led to him being recruited by Loyola Marymount University. Assist leader Rayan Berbachi (Siena University), defenders Reagan Gyedu (University of the Incarnate Word) and Francesco Di Turi (Merrimack), and Region 18 Goalkeeper of the Year Kael McGowan (University of Southern Indiana) also moved on to NCAA Division I schools for the 2025 season.

The 2025 Cardinals will feature returning players for NIC, including Region 18 All-Region honorees Daniel Gutierrez and Dillon Bingham. Ben Innes, Nicolas Sanchez, Amani Contreras, Lorian Aerts, Mouhamed Fadel Fall, Isiah Ben, and goalkeeper Indra Suarjana are all set to make an impact this season. Transfers Judah Straight, Tebo Shinetulga, Tyson Carter, and Ariel Martinez will bring additional experience to the Cardinals this fall, along with sophomore leadership.

The Cardinals kick off their preseason at the College of Idaho in Caldwell on August 14 before hosting Carroll College at home on August 16. NJCAA play begins August 21 with a trip to Colorado, where the Cardinals take on Northeastern Junior College. Conference play begins on the road against Truckee Meadows Community College on September 11 and the Cardinals will host their first conference game on September 18 against Utah State Eastern.