ITHACA, N.Y. - The Cornell men's soccer team will open its season against the Marist College Red Foxes this Saturday, August 31st at 5:00 p.m. at Berman Field. The Big Red will look to turn the tide as it relates to season openers, since the Cornellians have only earned two opening-season victories in its last 10 attempts.

The Big Red will match up against the Red Foxes this weekend for the third time in program history. Cornell holds a 2-0 advantage over Marist in head-to-heads. In the first ever meeting, in 2021, Cornell fell behind early but would score five consecutive goals, leading to a 5-1 routing over Marist at Berman Field. The last time the teams met on the pitch, which came in 2022, the Big Red squeaked by in a 1-0 victory at Tenney Stadium.

Marist has played two games this season, falling by a wide margin in both contests. Skyler Cunha is responsible for the Red Foxes only goal so far, as he put one in the back of the net on his lone attempt against Marquette. Jamie Lowell has spent the most time in net for Marist in their two games, making eight total saves.

2024 Season Outlook
The theme of the season for the Big Red is 'relentlessness'. The Big Red showed viable bursts of relentlessness last season over the course of the year. That relentlessness shined bright in victories over the 2022 National Champion Syracuse Orange, and during its contest against the New Hampshire Wildcats as the Big Red were the only team to defeat them during the regular season. On the opposite side of the meter, Cornell took defeats and draws against opponents who were further behind which posed questions of consistency for the team.

This season, the Big Red will look to focus on being the relentless version of itself on a more consistent basis. John Smith, the Dr. Daniel P. Wood Head Coach of Men's Soccer feels confident that with the blend of experienced players and newcomers on the team this year, the group will be able to take on that identity. "I am excited about the group—it's a nice blend of experienced returners and some talented newcomers. The first-year players ought to benefit greatly by being in and around a talented core of returners who know what it takes to be successful here", Smith mentioned.

Returning Production
Cornell returns a strong contingency of production from its 2023 campaign. The Big Red returns 84 percent of its goal-scoring and three out of five of its 2023 All-Ivy members.

Leading the way is sophomore forward Alex Harris. Harris burst on the scene last year and took the Ivy League by storm, scoring 28 points on 12 goals and 4 assists. Harris established the Cornell freshman records in goals and points. Those 12 goals also tied Derl Derr (1950) for the eighth-most goals in a season. His on-field performance led him to be named the unanimous Rookie of the Year, ECAC Rookie of The Year, All-ECAC Second Team, as well as receiving First Team All-Ivy honors.

Coach Smith iterated that Harris is focused, humble, and poised to continue competing and elevating the team. "Alex is a very grounded young man who hasn't spent the last 6 months patting himself on the back—there is nothing flashy about him. His focus has always been on his work ethic, competitiveness and enjoying the game", he mentioned.

Among those All-Ivy members returning to East Hill is fifth-year defender Kisa Kiingi. In a late-summer development, former Big Red defender Wilson Eisner made the decision to take his talents to the MLS and sign a Homegrown contract with the San Jose Earthquakes. Eisner, who would have been entering his senior season, could have very well made it four out of five of the 2023 Big Red All-Ivy leaguers returning since he was a second team selection. Shortly following Eisner's announcement to sign with the Earthquakes, it was announced that Kiingi would be returning to East Hill as a fifth-year player.

Coach Smith made it known that Kiingi's return would have been important regardless of Eisner's decision to move on to the professional ranks. "Wilson Eisner moving to the MLS was a wonderful moment for him and his family, and it continued the trend of Cornell moving players on to the professional soccer world. Bringing Kisa back would have been pivotal regardless of the comings and goings of our other players. Kisa is an exceptional leader and a very talented soccer player—what he brings to the program is felt well beyond the white lines", he said.

Big Red Newcomers
The Cornell men's soccer team added 11 new Cornellians to the group ahead of the 2024 campaign, consisting of nine freshman and two transfers. Among these 11 newcomers is freshman defender Justin Melly, who arrives to East Hill following his time on the Loudoun United. Melly was selected to the TopDrawerSoccer Preseason All-Freshman team. Coach Smith spoke highly of the incoming freshman and his potential to be able to contribute to the success of the team.

"Melly is a highly skilled central defender, who could also play as a right back and central midfielder. He is very good in possession, and makes good decisions on the ball. He is tough, mobile and agile and he uses these attributes to good effect both sides of the ball. His time with Loudoun FC this year will benefit him and us greatly", he said.

Below is a list of the incoming Big Red men's soccer athletes:

Giorgos Diakos (W/F) - Transfer from Charleston WV
Griffin Eck (CB) - Arlington FC
Nate Hovan (W/F) - PA Classics
Colin Johnson (RB) - De Anza SC
Dominik Kolbl (CM) - Germany
Aidan Martin (LB) - LAFC ll
Justin Melly (CB/RB) - Loudoun United
Campbell Reece (CM) - Atlanta United
Eddie Stewart (LB/CM) - St Louis SC
Bennett Wehibe (CB) - PA Classics
Ryan Thompson (GK) - Transfer from Tulsa

Learn more about these athletes HERE

Coaching Staff Reshuffle
Cornell experienced a reshuffle of its coaching staff with the departure of former associate head coach Drew Hutchins. Tyler Keever was brought onto the staff byway of Depaul University to serve as an assistant coach. Luke Staats was elevated from assistant coach to the associate head coach position.

"With Drew leaving the program in February it game us ample time to recruit another talented coach to the program, and we have had a number of months to get to know each other as coaches and as people. I am super excited for what Luke, Tyler and Lamarr will be bringing to the team this fall", coach Smith mentioned.

Season Opener - How To Watch
Kick off between the Cornell Big Red and the Marist Red Foxes is slated for Saturday, August 31st at 5:00 p.m. at Berman Field. Game action will be broadcast on ESPN+.