ITHACA, N.Y. - The no. 22-ranked Cornell men's soccer team will aim to build upon its 2024 NCAA College Cup second round appearance going into the 2025 season. John Smith, the Dr. Daniel P. Wood Head Coach of Men's Soccer iterated the importance of leaning on the system and the team's experience and togetherness for success, rather than the assumption of one or two players making all of the difference.

"We have made it to the sweet 16 and the round of 32 in two of the last three seasons. Therefore, there are a number of guys within the squad who have experienced big moments on multiple occasions. That kind of experience is priceless. Experienced high performers have a knack of staying emotionally level when they play, and that is oftentimes a key component impacting the result of a game." Smith mentioned.

With the loss of 2024 MAC Hermann Trophy Finalist Alex Harris who was selected fourth overall in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft Alex Harris, and Alioune Ka who was selected 46th overall to the Nashville Football Club, Cornell will be tasked with leaning on its next man up mentality as the 2025 season approaches.
 

GOALKEEPERS
Returning (3): 
Newcomers (0): 

"We return a good portion of our back five and so there's a fair amount of experience amongst them which is great.", John Smith mentioned. Senior goalkeeper Ryan Friedberg has taken initiative in net for the Big Red since his Ivy League Rookie of The Year campaign, and will now look to bookend his Cornell career with a bang as his final year approaches. 

During the 2024 season, Freidberg claimed first team All-Ivy honors. He proved strong in net, boosting his clean-sheet totals to eight which puts him second all-time. Junior Isaac Delgado has seen action in three games during his career, and holds a 2-1 record between the pipes 
 

DEFENDERS
Returning (9: 
Newcomers (0): 

The return of Charlotte Football Club draftee and MAC Hermann Trophy watch list member Andrew Johnson will be a key component to the success of the Big Red defensive unit. Johnson notched a pair of goals in 2024. He was a MLS SuperDraft selection to the Charlotte Football Club, First-Team All-Ivy member, and First-Team All-Region selection.

"Andrew has been great for us since his arrival. Getting drafted by Charlotte FC and representing his country in the Gold Cup speaks to the level he has reached.", Smith mentioned. Sophomores Aidan Martin and Justin Melly return to the back-line after posting strong freshman campaigns. Martin was named Ivy League Rookie of the Year.
 

MIDFIELDERS
Returning (11):  
Newcomers (2): 

"Our midfield similarly has a good number of returners and they are complimented by some talented newcomers who should be pushing to start.", Smith said. MAC Herman Trophy watch list member and returning All-American Connor Miller will be a key element to the Big Red's success in the 2025 season. Miller notched 17 points in 2024, coming by way of four goals and an Ivy League leading nine assists. He was a Third-Team All-American, First-Team All-Ivy member, and First-Team All-Region selection.

"Connor has now moved into a leadership role as one of our captains for the upcoming season. This will help him have an even greater impact on the team. He got himself firmly in amongst the point-getters on the team last year and I see that being something he doubles down on this year.", he added.
 

FORWARDS
Returning (4): 
Newcomers (5): 

The Big Red will lean on its 'next man up' mentality as it adjusts to the loss of two critical scorers in Colorado Rapids forward Alex Harris and Nashville Football Club forward Alioune Ka. "Losing Alex and Alioune to the draft two players who had remarkably productive seasons for us was certainly bittersweet. That being said, I have never allowed myself to get too bogged down by those kind of things.", Smith mentioned.

"The guys moving on each year always provides great chances for others to blossom and grow. We are an attacking team and we typically generate opportunities in front of goal it will be fun to see who steps up to put the ball into the back of the net this year. It will be an exciting competition for the strikers within the group. Losing both Alioune and Alex to the superdraft has opened the door for a group of hungry attackers.", Smith added

SCHEDULE OUTLOOK
The Big Red will endure a demanding schedule, which has been a staple of the program's success in the RPI rankings in the past. Cornell will take the pitch against four opponents who are in United Soccer Coaches Preseason Poll. Those opponents include no. 20 Western Michigan, no. 21 Akron, RV UC Santa Barbara, and Ivy League foe no. 19 Pennsylvania.

"We've got another exciting schedule lined up this fall, with several high-level opponents set to take the field at Berman. Playing in front of big crowds always brings extra energy—and it often brings out the best in our players. So come on down and support us this season—we'll give it everything we've got to make you proud!", Smith mentioned.

The no. 22-ranked Cornell men's soccer team earned a first-place vote and was tabbed second in the 2025 Ivy League preseason poll. The Big Red concluded last season with a 5-2 record in league play, taking second in the regular season standings, and was the lone Ivy League program to earn an NCAA College Cup victory.

The Ivy League has proven to be a tough conference year in and year out. During the 2024 season, Cornell, Penn, and Princeton earned bids to the NCAA College Cup. Coach John Smth spoke about the competitiveness of the Ivy League. "I am just about to start my ninth season here, and this league has gone from strength to strength each year. It is filled with both talented coaches and talented players. It made sense to me that three Ivy teams garnered post season berths last year, and with the high level recruiting being done conference wide, I don't see that changing any time soon.", Smith said.