Rivier men's soccer coach Jon Cross hopes to continue the progress made last year in his first season on the job. (File photo)

NASHUA – After being voted to finish fifth in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Preseason Poll, the Rivier men’s soccer team will open its 2025 season today at Southern Maine. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Hannaford Field.

LAST SEASON

Under the leadership of first-year head coach Jon Cross, the Raiders earned the No. 7 seed and advanced to the quarterfinal round of the postseason, where they were narrowly defeated by Albertus Magnus in an overtime battle.

The play-in game victory over Lasell marked Rivier’s first time hosting a playoff game since the 2010 season, as well as their first postseason win since 2001. The squad finished the year with a 7-6-7 overall record (5-4-5 GNAC), securing the program’s first winning season since 2000.

The 11-0 win over VTSU-Lydon set the program record for most goals scored in a single game.

Alejandro Quezada led the team in points (12), recording four goals and four assists.

Goalkeeper Logan Clough ranked third in the GNAC in both save percentage (.818) and goals against average (1.07).

CAPTAINS

Junior goalkeeper Clough and sophomore midfielder Aidan Gulli will lead the 2025 squad.

NEWCOMERS

The team welcomes 11 first-year student-athletes and one transfer to complete their 2025 lineup. Zach Lemire and TJ Hennessey round out the coaching staff.

SCHEDULE

The Raiders will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Night during their home opener against non-conference opponent Fitchburg St. (9/2)

GNAC play begins just three games into the season with a home contest against Saint Joseph’s (Me.) (9/6)

A rematch of last season’s quarterfinal battle against Albertus Magnus will be played on Alumni Weekend. (9/27)

Nashua Night will take place during the squads intrastate match-up against Keene St. (10/1)

Rivier University’s KyleCares Club will sponsor a Mental Health Awareness Game on 10/8 during a non-conference contest against Emerson.

Senior Day celebrations will be on 10/11, as the Raiders host GNAC opponent Mitchell.

The regular season will conclude with a home bout against GNAC foe Colby-Sawyer.