As summer draws to a close so too does the wait for the return of collegiate sports. Considering that there are still those in the area experiencing lingering World Cup fever, one of the most anticipated sports to make a comeback is soccer. When it comes to New Jersey, the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers University Men’s Soccer are one of the most followed teams in the state and for good reason.
Rutgers Men’s Soccer has produced countless talent throughout the years, with none more recognizable than Alexi Lalas, American soccer icon and current Fox Sports lead studio soccer analyst where he has covered each edition of the World Cup since 2006. Additionally, their performances on the pitch consistently result in thrilling matches appreciated by both soccer fanatics and casual sports fans alike.
At the helm is manager Jim McElderry, who will be on the touchline for the eighth year running. McElderry has permanently cemented himself in Rutgers Men’s Soccer history by winning the 2022 edition of the Big Ten Tournament Championship. With his tactical brilliance and the masterclass displayed by the team at the time they were able to defeat Indiana University 3-1 and secure Rutgers its first ever triumph in the competition. Since the end of the 2022 season, the team has yet to replicate this previous success, but if there is one man that has the ability to lead the team to victory it is certainly McElderry.
The manager is crucial to the team’s tactics, but even he would admit it is impossible to be successful without the supplemental play on the pitch. The core of the team is composed of student-athletes who are from right here in New Jersey, but there are also a decent number of foreign players who have found themselves in Piscataway from places such as Uganda, Poland, Trinidad and Tobago, Germany, Spain, and Ghana. Where some would claim this blend of styles may be difficult to turn into one cohesive group, it is much more likely this diverse background of soccer cultures will benefit the team as every individual can bring a new perspective to the side.
Rutgers Men’s Soccer finished tied for 7th out of 11 schools in the Big Ten standings last season with a conference record of 3-5-2 and an overall record of 8-6-3. Unfortunately they did not qualify for the Big Ten Tournament and did not receive a bid to play in the post season NCAA Tournament. Surely the entire squad will be looking to improve upon last season’s finish as the quality of athletes and staff is at the level of competing for those top-end positions and post season spots.
Experience is an essential asset when it comes to any NCAA sport, this theme remains true for men’s soccer. Rutgers’ roster is full of it with the team being composed of skilled personnel of which nine are either graduate students or seniors. Amongst this experience are two key individuals who will prove vital to the team’s success. They are Nick Collins and Charlie Kitch, both seniors who play in the backline. For their contributions to their respective teams throughout the 2025 season both players have been recognized by being named to the 2026 United Soccer Coaches Missouri Athletic Club Hermann Trophy Players to Watch List for Defenders. Ensuring defensive stability in soccer allows your more creative, attacking players to feel less tense on the ball, something McElderry considered when he brought Kitch in from Elon University, where he won the 2025 CAA Championship. Collins will continue to be a defensive staple this season for his fourth year as a Scarlet Knight, building on his 17 starts in 17 matches in 2025 and helping secure five clean sheets, the most from the school since 2021.
Rutgers Men’s Soccer kicks off its season on Thursday, August 20 against out-of conference opponents, American University, in Washington D.C. at 4 p.m. EST. The effort put in during the off season by the coaching staff and players alike will be on display for all to see in just over two weeks and they will be looking to begin their 2026 journey with a win. Given all the pre-season preparation all signs point to the potential for an extremely productive season.
