The air is thick with anticipation for The College of Wooster men's soccer team after a season in which they exceeded expectations and then some.

The big question for this year - can they keep the momentum going and continue its rise within the North Coast Athletic Conference?

For starters, they're hoping a summer trip to Portugal will be an added boost to the team's chemistry. The team did some surfing, provided service work with a local after school program and even took some cooking lessons between games on the pitch.

"I loved watching the guys interact," head coach Andy Zidron said. "It was fun to see them be free with little stress, and it was fun to see that happen in a different culture." 

In 2025, the men finished 11-2-6 with a 3-1-4 conference mark, which was good enough for third. It was the program's best finish in the NCAC since 2004 as they earned its first trip to the conference tournament since that same year as well.

Wooster's season ended rather unfortunately with an overtime decision in the semifinal game after two late goals against 15th-ranked Denison University.

Yet, it was still a remarkable season. Wooster had five shutout wins and entered conference play at 8-0-2. They also flipped their year-to-year goal differential from -18 to +17.

"Last year was pretty magical," Zidron said. "A lot of it boiled down to, not a massive change of messaging, but a buy-in to this idea of collective excellence. They're thinking about it not just in soccer but, hopefully, in the dining hall, their classes, thinking I've got to be my best today, and I think everybody was able to do that.

"We didn't have bad practices. Everything was at a consistent level, and the message was if you want to perform at this level we have to train at this level."

Looking at the roster, Wooster's most notable departure is Elliot Miller, Wooster's first All-American since 2005 and the NCAC Offensive Player of the Year. Miller led Wooster with 22 points on eight goals and six assists. 

While Miller departs, the Scots retain its other All-Region honoree in junior Connor Shea. Shea finished with 14 points on five goals and four assists, making him the team's leading returning point scorer.

The only other Scot to reach double digits in points was Aris Christodoulou, who returns for his senior campaign after contributing six goals.

Defensively, Eddie Glucksman returns in goal after appearing and starting in all 19 games. Glucksman racked up 46 saves and a save percentage of .697.

Aiding in the defensive and midfield units include Nate Chartrand, Griffin Thornton, Ioannis Aristodemou, Peter Kalitka, Will Pope and Connor Piero.

"We want to put ourselves in a situation where in late October we are playing meaningful games," Zidron said. "With only four teams getting in, there is a small margin for error. We have to beat ourselves today and get a little better."

Wooster will also rely on its first years to once again provide a competitive environment and welcomes back former player Jack Giloth for another year as the assistant coach.
The Scots are projected fourth in the NCAC Men's Soccer Coaches' Poll.

"At the base of things, they're young men, old kids playing soccer," Zidron added. "Be the best version of yourselves. Enjoy playing with the people around you and good things will come from that."

Wooster opens the year with three home games on the newly renovated Carl Dale Field. Wooster held its home field advantage well last year going 7-1-1.

They welcome Bethany College on Sept. 1 for the season opener. Later, they will open NCAC play at home against Denison.