Saint Francis Men's Soccer Faces Road Test at Maryland, Home Showdown vs. Robert Morris This Week

Men's Soccer | 8/31/2025 10:00:00 AM

OPENING PITCH VS MARYLAND
Saint Francis heads to College Park for a marquee matchup, facing Maryland in its first meeting with a Big Ten opponent since 2008. This marks just the fifth time in program history the Red Flash have faced a Big Ten team, with past contests known for their intensity and competitive edge. While not high-scoring affairs, these battles have tested Saint Francis against some of the nation's most established programs, providing memorable moments in the team's history. The Red Flash now look to bring that same grit and determination to the pitch as they take on the Terrapins.

THE WORD ON THE TERRAPINS
Maryland opened its season with a 1-0 win over No. 25 Georgetown, powered by a goal from senior Sadam Masereka and a career-high six saves from sophomore goalkeeper Laurin Mack. With 13 seniors and a history of thriving in tight, competitive matches, the Terrapins bring Big Ten pedigree and home-field advantage to Monday's night's clash at Ludwig Field.

OPENING PITCH VS ROBERT MORRIS
Saint Francis returns to Stokes Soccerplex for its second home match of 2025, aiming for its first win of the season. The Red Flash hold a 10-7-2 all-time record against Robert Morris, including a strong 7-2-1 mark at home. Despite a 2-1 road loss in the most recent meeting, the series has featured tight battles and standout wins, setting the stage for another competitive chapter on Friday night.

THE WORD ON THE COLONIALS
Robert Morris enters Friday's match unbeaten after opening the season with a 0-0 draw at Mercyhurst and a 2-2 draw at Duquesne. The Colonials have shown offensive balance, with Jack Bejarano and Royie Rahamim each scoring once while combining for six of the team's 15 shots. Goalkeeper Josh Lane has anchored the back line, posting eight saves and a .800 save percentage through the first two games. With a solid start and competitive performances, Robert Morris looks to continue its form as it visits Stokes Soccerplex.

LAST TIME WE MET
The last time Saint Francis faced Robert Morris was on September 4, 2024, resulting in a 2–1 defeat on the road. Fabian Wagner scored the lone goal for the Red Flash, leveling the match in the 19th minute with a volley from 21 yards out. Wagner led the team with four shots, while goalkeeper Milo Risenhoover made three saves. Despite outshooting the Colonials 16–10 and holding an 8–3 edge in corner kicks, Saint Francis could not find an equalizer after Robert Morris converted a penalty in the 68th minute.

NEXT TIME OUT
The Red Flash will be on the road for contests at Loyola Maryland on Tuesday, Sept. 9, at 6 p.m., and at Duquesne on Wednesday, Sept. 17, at 7 p.m. They'll be back at Stokes Soccerplex again on Tuesday, Sept. 23, to host Bucknell at 2 p.m.

LAST TIME OUT
Saint Francis men's soccer fell 1-0 to St. Bonaventure in their last game. Offensive efforts came from several freshmen, including defender Connor O'Keefe, who had two shots with one on target. Additionally, freshmen Nathan Katari and Brandon Napolean each had their first shots on target. Thiago Pires also had two attempts at goal. Slotting in between the pipes, Braeden Sorensen recorded two saves.

PRESEASON POLL
Saint Francis men's soccer was picked fifth in the NEC Preseason Poll. Mercyhurst, which won the NEC regular season, and LIU, which won the NEC Tournament, have been selected as co-preseason favorites after LIU earned three first-place votes and Mercyhurst garnered five. FDU picked up the remaining two top votes, while Le Moyne, Saint Francis, Stonehill, New Haven, Howard, Chicago State, and CCSU rounded out the poll. Mercyhurst and New Haven are both ineligible for the postseason.

INTERNATIONAL FLARE
Head coach Mads Kaiser has nine players that have come from outside the United States: Volkan Celikkol (Turkey), Alex De Nittis(Germany), Harry Elmore (England), Alejandro Escobar (Columbia), Diego Garciarena (Paraguay), Álvaro Planas (Spain), Julian Quiroga(Bolivia), Harvey Skurek (England), Mika Wernicke (Germany) and Jonah Wolf (Germany).

ABOUT THE COACH
Mads Kaiser begins his third season as the Red Flash men's soccer head coach. In his first season, Saint Francis was the only NCAA Division I team to finish undefeated with a 7-0-8 record and won the NEC regular season. Saint Francis is 14-7-10 overall and 10-2-3 in NEC play. The Red Flash hosted an NEC Semifinals Game in his first two years. He was an assistant in Loretto for two seasons prior to his elevation as head coach.

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