LATHAM, N.Y. - The United East is set to kick off the 2024 men's soccer season as 16 teams will lay it all out on the pitch in hopes of being crowned United East Champion. Last year, St. Mary's College of Maryland made a historic run to capture the crown but the Seahawks will face plenty of stiff competition in their quest to repeat.
A total of 12 teams will make the playoffs which begins on Oct. 30. The Championship Final will take place on November 9.
Check out the full 16-team schedule here: 2024 MEN'S SOCCER SCHEDULE
St. Mary’s College of Maryland
(2023 Record: 3-2-1 United East, 11-7-4 Overall)
St. Mary’s College of Maryland won four games in seven days during the 2023 United East Men’s Soccer Championship en route to the program’s first conference championship and first appearance in the NCAA Championships. Though key pieces have departed, a strong core remains for the 2024 title defense. Senior Alex Ochman had 3 goals, 6 assists and a Second Team All-Conference award in 2023 while Garrett Bridgewater returns for a 5th season as a team captain with a Second Team All-Conference award in 2023. Junior Jack Nelson tallied 4 goals and an assist with a Second Team All-Conference nod as well in 2023. The Seahawks open on August 30 against The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) and have a strong non-conference schedule with preseason No. 4 Washington College, No. 24 Johns Hopkins University, and No. 9 University of Mary Washington on the docket before United East play begins on September 28 at Wilson College.
Coach’s Outlook:
“I’m really excited about the 2024 season. Our guys have worked hard over the off-season and they can’t wait to get started. We have another challenging out of conference schedule again this year which will hopefully prepare us for our tough conference games.” - Alun Oliver
Rosemont College
(2023 Record: 7-0-1 United East, 12-4-2 Overall)
Rosemont felt disappointment in the 2023 United East Championship match, falling in penalty kicks to St. Mary’s College. This year, a senior-heavy squad returns ready for another march towards the NCAA Tournament, where the Ravens competed in 2021 and 2022. Senior center back Tai Torres was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2023 while his partner, senior Sean Rodriguez, was Defensive Player of the Year in 2022 and a First Team All-Conference honoree in 2023. Senior goalkeeper Gunner Hoffman earned a First Team All-Conference nod last season and posted nine shutouts during the campaign. A beefed-up non-conference schedule sees the Ravens play at 2022 NCAA Tournament opponent Christopher Newport University and Virginia Wesleyan University during the opening weekend while playing Ursinus College, Dickinson College, and The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) before conference play begins. The United East campaign begins on September 28 at Penn College.
Coach’s Outlook:
“Our senior heavy team will provide our program with the leadership and experience it takes to make a run to another NCAA tournament. Our difficult non conference schedule is sure to test us before we open United East play. The majority of this group has been together for four years and are ready for another great year.” - John Loiodice
Penn State Abington
(2023 Record: 5-0-1 United East, 9-5-4 Overall)
Penn State Abington had an undefeated conference season (5-0-1 Volt Division) and the #1 seed heading into the tournament in 2023 but were upset by eventual champion St. Mary’s (Md.) in the divisional semi-finals. This year, an experienced squad is back and ready for another deep postseason campaign. Senior midfielder Eljo Agolli was the Player of the Year and Second Team All-Region in 2023 after pouring in 11 goals and 5 assists for 27 points. Joining Agolli on the Second Team All-Region is senior forward Arsene Bado, who chipped in 26 points on 10 goals and 6 assists for a First Team All-Conference award. Senior center back Christian Cardenas started all 18 games and logged over 1300 minutes on the back line en route to a First Team All-Conference nod. The Nittany Lions open their season on August 30 with a match up against Swarthmore College. Other notable non-conference matchups include Rutgers-Camden, University of Scranton, Moravian University, and Shenandoah University. United East play begins on September 28 at Valley Forge.
Coach’s Outlook:
“We have an experienced team returning with an exciting new class coming in. Our goal is to use preseason and our non conference schedule to get us to come together and prepare us for conference play.” - Pat Morris
Cairn University
(2023 Record: 6-0-2 United East, 8-6-4 Overall)
After a penalty-kick loss in the 2023 United East Championships, Cairn University brings back an experienced team looking to return to the top of the standings. Head Coach Luke Gibson begins his 11th season with the Highlanders and has two-time Conference Player of the Year and three-time First Team All-Conference honoree, Moses Beers up top after netting 11 goals in 2023. Senior Jesse Brittain is a three-time First Team All-Conference award winner and netted 10 goals with 4 assists in 2023 while Joshua Smith has earned two All-Conference nods in his first two seasons on campus. The Highlanders open 2024 with Goucher College on August 30 and have strong non-conference matchups with Ramapo College and Lebanon Valley College before beginning United East play on September 28 hosting Notre Dame of Maryland University.
Coach’s Outlook: “We're excited for the season ahead and grateful for the opportunity to compete. We have an experienced group who have been tremendous leaders and we're excited with our new additions.” - Luke Gibson
Penn State Harrisburg
(2023 Record: 3-0-3 United East, 8-5-7 Overall)
Anthony Gehman begins his fourth season in charge of Penn State Harrisburg’s men’s soccer program looking to take another step towards a championship in 2024. Kobe Harris returns after having 11 points (4 goals, 3 assists) in 2023, including a goal against No. 1 Messiah. Defender Alex Afata anchored a defense that recorded seven shutouts in 2023 while surrendering just 1.15 goals per game and contributed six total points (2 goals, 2 assists). Additionally, team captain Tyler Madiary returns after a season-ending injury cut short his 2023 campaign. Harrisburg begins the 2024 season at St. Joseph’s Long Island on August 31 and will be challenged with a non-conference schedule that includes preseason No. 18 Messiah University, New York University (NYU), and Lebanon Valley College. United East play opens on September 29 at Keystone College.
Coach’s Outlook: “We are excited for a new year, we have top talent coming in and a fantastic returning core. The program is in a good place and we are ready to compete for a championship” - Anthony Gehman
Lancaster Bible College
(2023 Record: 4-2-0 United East, 9-9-2 Overall)
Lancaster Bible College earned an opening round win in the 2023 United East Tournament to cap off a 9-9-2 record and will have a strong core returning in 2024. Juniors Andrew Cox and Ben Nolt each earned a First Team All-Conference award and combined for 26 total goals, leading the team in both goals and points. Junior Lucas Durkin started every match on the back line as the Chargers won their way into the postseason. Lancaster Bible opens the 2024 season on August 30 hosting No. 17 Franklin & Marshall College and has a matchup with No. 18 Messiah University in October. United East play begins on September 28 when Penn State Berks travels to Lancaster.
Coach’s Outlook: “We are looking forward to the process this year and our brotherhood forming through the highs and lows. We return some key players but have some big shoes to fill as well. We are young overall and have some hungry new additions who are ready to play. Keeping our team mission at the forefront as we strive to be the best team we can be, looking forward to the journey.” - Tom Ardt
Saint Elizabeth University
(2023 Record: 4-2-2 United East, 13-5-3 Overall)
A semi-final loss in penalty kicks last season fuels Saint Elizabeth in 2024 as Alfonso Nunez-Perez begins his second season as Head Coach. Sophomore midfielder Sebastian Londono had an impactful first season winning United East Rookie of the Year, a First Team All-Conference award, leading the United East in Goals (22) and Shots (91) while finishing Top 10 in all of NCAA DIvision III with those 22 goals (4th), Points (8th; 47), Goals per Game (5th; 1.16), Points per Game (6th; 2.47), and Shots per Game (6th; 4.79). Junior midfielder Edwin Martinez had eight assists on the season after starting 16 matches and Ethan Mosquera earned an Honorable Mention selection in 2021. The Eagles begin the 2024 season against New Jersey City University on August 30 and have non-conference matchups against Fairleigh Dickinson University, William Paterson University, Ramapo College, and New Jersey City University before beginning United East play on September 28 at Penn State Brandywine.
Coach’s Outlook: “(We’re) playing better competition in non-conference to better prepare for conference. A lot of newcomers, transfers and freshmen, can make an impact and add depth.” - Alfonso Nunez-Perez
Bryn Athyn College
(2023 Record: 4-4-0 United East, 5-9-1 Overall)
Bill O’Neill begins his ninth season in charge of Bryn Athyn men’s soccer with an experienced team looking for another playoff appearance in 2024. Senior Troy Billingsley will be a consistent presence in the net for the Lions as he started every game for the past two years and holds numerous school records at the goalkeeper position. Junior Nathan Scavo earned a Second Team All-Conference award in 2023 after leading the team in points and goals. Senior Justin Lykunov started all 15 games and played several different positions during the 2023 season. The Lions open up with Penn State Schuylkill on August 30 and have non-conference matchups with DeSales University, Gwynedd Mercy University, Moravian University, and Delaware Valley University before opening United East play on October 2 at Rosemont College.
Coach’s Outlook:
“We have brought in 12 new players into the program, so we will have to navigate inexperience through the season. It will be vital for the veterans to lead the way. We are talented enough to make another run at the playoffs, chemistry and culture will be crucial in our success.” - Bill O'Neill
Keystone College
(2023 Record: 3-3-2 United East, 4-12-3 Overall)
After a tumultuous spring on campus that almost saw the school close, Keystone College and Head Coach Clint Caso return in 2024 with an experienced squad looking for another playoff appearance. Hernan Godoy is a senior vice-captain who has started 37 out of 47 games played in the midfield and scored two game-winners in 2023. Erik Duran is a 5th year senior and captain that’s already started 45 games while Leo Arrieta is entering his junior season with 36 starts under his belt in two seasons. The Giants open 2024 with a matchup against King’s College on August 30 and have non-conference games against Susquehanna University, Wilkes University, William Paterson University, and Salisbury University before opening up United East play on September 29 against Penn State Harrisburg.
Coach’s Outlook: “After dealing with adversity throughout the spring semester and summer months with potential school closure we are excited to have the opportunity to compete and represent Keystone College. There were student-Athletes and recruits who pursued some other opportunities with the uncertainty surrounding the school's standing heading into the 2024/25 academic year, but we are grateful for the student-athletes and recruits who trusted us through the process and uncertainty to be onboard for the upcoming season. We will be prepared for the challenges of the upcoming conference schedule. Special recognition for the senior class - Hernan Godoy, Michael Frey, Morade Mama, Erik Duran, Noel Gonzalez, and Arthur Bronson who started their careers under Coach Clint Caso in his first season as head coach at Keystone College. We will have an extremely committed group who are bought in to the culture we are building within our program.” - Clint Caso
Penn College
(2023 Record: 2-3-1 United East, 7-7-3 Overall)
After a playoff appearance in 2023, Penn College is led by a trio of seniors in 2024 as the Wildcats look to take a step forward in Tyler Mensch’s 11th season at the helm. Center back Tommy DeGeyter earned a second-straight Second Team All-Conference award in 2023 after leading the team in Minutes Played (1,271) and scoring five goals; three of which being match-winners. Cole Catherman finished with four shutouts in net and a 1.64 Goals Against Average (3rd-best in the United East) while Logan Stapleton played in all 17 matches, netting four goals and an assist for nine points. Penn College opens the 2024 season at Centenary University (N.J.) on August 30 and have non-conference matches against King’s College (PA), Ramapo College, and Alfred State College before United East play starts on September 28 against Rosemont College.
Coach’s Outlook: "Our goal every year is to make it into the United East Conference Tournament. From there anything can happen. We brought in 14 new guys who have already raised the level throughout our pre-season so we are excited to get the season started and see where we end up. Our non-conference schedule will have us ready and prepared for what is a tough conference schedule.” - Tyler Mensch
Notre Dame of Maryland University
(2023 Record: 3-4-1 United East, 5-8-2 Overall)
Beginning their second season as a varsity program, Notre Dame (Md.) University is led by Frank Olszewski who is anticipating a strong second step for his program. Sophomore Tassilo Lehmkuhl earned a Second Team All-Conference nod last year after tallying seven goals and two assists while senior forward Hector Alvarez stacked six goals and five assists en route to a Second Team award as well. Sophomore midfielder Adrian Andersen contributed four goals and three assists while earning a Third Team All-Conference nod. The Gators open the 2024 season on September 1 against Goucher College and have non-conference matches with Immaculata University, Stockton University, and Albright College before facing Cairn University on September 28 to open United East Conference play.
Coach’s Outlook: “As a second year program, we will continue to look to improve and build on that initial foundation. We will face some very strong opponents and it will be a great opportunity to see where they are. We also know that our United East schedule will be challenging and competitive. Team chemistry will be extremely important for us.” - Frank Olszewski
Penn State Berks
(2023 Record: 1-5-0 United East, 2-11-3 Overall)
Penn State Berks will have a young team, buoyed by an experienced core, looking to improve on last season’s playoff appearance in head coach Adrian Munteanu’s 9th season. Senior goalkeeper Ethan Brazier returns after racking up 58 saves in 2023. Junior forward Gavin Dai returns after playing 1045 minutes in 2022 and senior defender Caleb Fatkin had a 3 point game in 2023 while playing over 1100 minutes on the back line. Berks open the 2024 campaign at Albright College on August 30 and at Ursinus College on September 1. Non-conference matchups with Delaware Valley University, Alvernia University, DeSales University, and Arcadia University occur before United East play begins on September 28 at Lancaster Bible College.
Penn State Brandywine
(2023 Record: 18-4-2)
Entering their first season in the United East, and first in NCAA Division III, Penn State Brandywine will look to continue the success of the past decade in the USCAA as the Lions jump up to NCAA play. Senior Ray Kelly is a three-time USCAA All-American, three-time All-Conference, and the 2023 PSUAC Defensive Player of the Year after tallying 22 goals, 7 assists, and 51 points across 71 matches in his career. Senior Eli DeBooth is a two-time USCAA All-American and two-time All-Conference honoree in goal with a 0.78 Goals Against Average, .822 Save Percentage, 143 Saves, and a 27-5-5 career record. Senior Kyle Reuter was a 2022 USCAA Second Team All-American and a two-time All-PSUAC honoree after amassing 36 points on 28 assists and 4 goals across 51 matches. The Nittany Lions open on August 31 against Penn State Lehigh Valley and have a tough non-conference slate with Division III opponents Widener University, Ursinus College, Misericordia University, and Gettysburg College before United East play begins on September 28 against Saint Elizabeth University.
Coach’s Outlook: “Brandywine has a new coaching staff with 2017 graduate Bill Walleekendeh at the helm as the team enters its first season as a United East member. Brandywine's men's soccer program has enjoyed a lot of success during the last decade, winning two USCAA national championships and posting an 84-0-3 record against conference opponents since 2015. The team is looking forward to the challenge of a step up in competition in Division III and will lean heavily on its seniors for leadership. Upperclassmen Ray Kelly, Eli DeBooth, Kyle Reuter, Lukas Garthwait and Christian Zavala will anchor Brandywine defensively and in the midfield. The team will need to replace nearly all of its offensive production from 2023.” - Bill Walleekendeh
Wilson College
(2023 Record: 1-4-3 United East, 3-11-3 Overall)
Head Coach Chris Higgins begins his third season with Wilson College and has an experienced core returning for 2024 looking to build off of some good performances during the 2023 season. Brian Milholland earned a Second Team All-Conference award last season after totaling 15 points (7 goals, 1 assist) while Luis Jimenez added another 11 points (4 goals, 3 assists) and scored in the final four games of the season. Goalkeeper Logan Neves returns after missing the back half of 2023 with a season-ending injury. The Phoenix open on August 30 with a matchup against Hood College and have strong non-conference matchups with McDaniel College, Mary Baldwin University, Eastern Mennonite University, and Penn State Mont Alto before opening United East play on September 28th with defending champion, St. Mary’s College of Maryland.
Coach’s Outlook: “
We are very excited about this season. We have a young but talented group returning this fall. We are returning 24 (out of) 26 guys from last year's roster and adding 5 talented freshmen and a transfer. With the new additions I think we have an opportunity to be competitive in the conference this fall.” - Chris Higgins
University of Valley Forge
(2023 Record: 0-8-0 United East, 2-14-2 Overall)
Head Coach Stephen Bower begins his fourth season at the helm of the University of Valley Forge’s men’s soccer program in 2024. Despite a tough 2023 season, the Patriots have a strong core of returning players to lean on this year. Senior midfielder Elisha Skipper won the team’s Player of the Year award, led the team in Minutes Played, netted two goals, and was named Third Team All-Conference. Goalkeeper Abner Camacho returns for a graduate season as a three-year starter who made 85 saves last season and has over 200 saves for the career. Sophomore defender Kellen Preston was a key player as a first-year and will be counted on moving forward. The Patriots open the 2024 season at the Gallaudet University Tournament against Southern Virginia University and Alfred State College on August 30-31 before non-conference matchups with Gwynedd Mercy University, Delaware Valley University, and Medgar Evers College before United East play begins on September 28 against Penn State Abington.
Coach’s Outlook: “Looking forward to taking another step forward. Extremely happy with the leadership core we are returning and excited to see how the new pieces will come into the culture and push the program forward on and off of the field.” - Stephen Bower
Gallaudet University
(2023 Record: 0-6-0 United East, 1-13-0 Overall)
Head Coach Javad Shaw begins his fourth season at Gallaudet and is optimistic for improvement in the 2024 season. The Bison are led by a trio of co-captains in 2024 with Samson Abraham beginning his second year on campus after tallying two goals and four assists in 2023. Third-years Hammed Khan and Troy Holcomb had four assists and one assist, respectively in 2023. Gallaudet opens on August 31 against Southern Virginia University and Alfred State on September 1 before United East play begins on October 2 against Valley Forge.
Coach’s Outlook: “Optimistic about this rebuilding year with the addition of some talented 1st year students and key returners.” - Javad Shaw
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The United East boasts 17 NCAA Division III full member institutions which include: Bryn Athyn College, Cairn University, Cedar Crest College, Gallaudet University, Keystone College, Lancaster Bible College, Notre Dame of Maryland University, Penn College, Penn State Abington, Penn State Berks, Penn State Brandywine, Penn State Harrisburg, Rosemont College, Saint Elizabeth University, St. Mary's College of Maryland, University of Valley Forge, and Wilson College. For more information, please visit gounitedeast.com.