Fall sports have begun in Evanston, and with that a new men’s soccer season.

As the team continues to get its groove back, it’s no longer about whether they can sustain another record similar to 2023 – 12 undefeated games from late August to early October – and more about how they can find a new game plan that can turn the program’s success around.

Before the regular season is underway, what can we expect from the team this season? Here is a rundown of important things to consider.

2025 season: What was left to say

The 2025 season was the second consecutive year without postseason play for the Wildcats.

With a .559 season record (8-6-3, 3-5-2 B1G), there was never a time when the team was on a winning, losing or drawing streak. The lack of consistency is what drew in back-and-forth results. Yet, the team was able to outperform its 2024 statistics. A total of 236 shots and 99 shots on goal led to 22 goals scored across 17 games. Key scorers were first-year forward Aaron O’Reilly, with five goals, and third-year midfielder Peter Riesz and graduate midfielder Joe Suchecki, each with four.

Within the bigger picture, the Wildcats finished seventh in the Big Ten standings. The Big Ten Tournament used to host the top eight teams in 2023 and the top seven teams in 2024, but with the tournament shrinking to only hosting the top four teams in 2025, there were even fewer chances to see the Wildcats extend their fall action.

In short, the 2025 season left more questions than answers regarding how competitive the team could really be a calendar year later.

Roles to fill in

As is tradition, every offseason leaves unfilled spots on the roster, and, more importantly, recognizable holes once key players have left.

Starting from the goalkeeping position, Northwestern’s starter Rafael Ponce de León will be an obvious absence. Over four years with the Wildcats, Ponce de León only allowed 36 goals within his goalpost and recorded 91 saves, holding onto a .717 saves record. He knew to adapt and reevaluate his tactics each season, and the team will now need someone who can do the same.

On defense, Nigel Prince was a no-brainer for head coach Russell Payne, who was able to count on him up until he sustained a season-ending injury after starting 12 matches last season. Prince also started 58 out of 60 games across his Northwestern career, filling in a crucial position against attacking rivals.

On midfield, Suchecki’s two years at Northwestern were enough to make him a fundamental asset on the pitch. As a whole, he scored five goals and had seven assists. Just last season, he had 18 out of 41 shots on goal and started all 17 games. Making the All-Big Ten Second Team showed his rapid influence.

Incoming players

The Wildcats have stocked up in all areas of the game. Apart from welcoming eight players in their freshman class, there are transfers to also consider.

Graduate goalkeeper Gino Cervoni, incoming from Hofstra, will bring in defensive experience. In 2025, he started all of his 17 appearances and had a 0.83 goals against average record, ranking second among the Coastal Athletic Association and making him well-equipped for a Wildcat team in need of new talent.

In midfield, redshirt fourth years Marco Silva and Andrew Millar are interesting additions.

Although Silva saw little action at Pittsburgh last season, starting five of 11 appearances and only contributing two goals with an assist, his abilities were mostly put to use at Marshall. For the 2024 season, he scored five goals and logged two assists, with the team making the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament – the postseason experience very much needed on this team.

Millar will also bring leadership and experience to a young Wildcat team. In 2025, he captained Vermont to its first ever unbeaten regular season. He also posted career high numbers with three goals and five assists.

On attack, the Wildcats welcome the promising likes of third-year forward Ethan Nakolo. Playing in NCAA Division II soccer with Oklahoma Christian, his scoring prowess led him to 17 goals in 16 appearances. This also brought a Lone Star Conference (LCS) Player of the Year Award and Forward of the Year Award. His accolades are a testament to what he can prove at Northwestern as well.

Rivals on the horizon

The Wildcats have five non-conference matches to start the regular season. Their first Big Ten clash will be against last year’s regular season champions, the Maryland Terrapins, who, according to the United Soccer Coaches Preseason Poll, rank No. 7 nationally going into this season.

Other Big Ten opponents to watch out for along the way are Washington, ranked No. 1, and Indiana, ranked No. 22.

This is the beautiful game

The Wildcats will start their 2026 regular season journey against New Haven on Thursday at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Whether they can turn things around with promising new additions or stumble in a conference that gets even more competitive each season will be up to them.