HARRISONBURG, Va.- All this week, EMU Athletics will take a look at the season ahead for our fall sports teams. Today, we preview the 2024 campaign for our men's soccer program:
Head Coach:
Justin Carey – Third Season (8-17-10 Record)
Preseason ODAC Poll: T-9th (50 pts.)
ODAC Preview
2023 In Review
EMU Men's Soccer took a big step forward in 2023. After being picked to finish last in the ODAC, the Royals responded with a 7-7-4 record, their best mark since 2018. Among the highlights of their season were the team's first victory over Roanoke since 2015, a 6-0 blowout win over Ferrum at Homecoming, and the No. 5 seed in the ODAC Men's Soccer Tournament. The Royals ultimately fell in their ODAC Quarterfinal at No. 4 seed Shenandoah, but it was their first appearance in the postseason tournament since 2018.
2024 Schedule Highlights
Season Opener: Friday, Aug. 30 at SUNY Maritime (7 p.m.)
Home Opener: Saturday, Sept. 7 vs. Marietta (3 p.m.)
ODAC Opener: Wednesday, Sept. 25 vs. Virginia Wesleyan (5 p.m.)
Rowdy Royals/Route 42 Rivalry: Wednesday, Oct. 9 vs. Bridgewater (4 p.m.)
Homecoming: Saturday, Oct. 12 vs. Lynchburg (6 p.m.)
Senior Day/Home Finale: Saturday, Oct. 26 vs. Guilford (4 p.m.)
Regular Season Finale: Wednesday, Oct. 30 at Ferrum (7 p.m.)
Full Schedule
Key Losses: Ariel Bonilla,
Mesa Dula,
Josh Maloney
Key Returners: Andrew Arledge,
Yan Cesar,
Ford DeVault,
Josiah King,
Kaden Schrock,
Simon Yoder
Full Roster
Outlook: The EMU Men's Soccer team enters the 2024 season with a mixture of youth and experience. While nine of the 11 starters from 2023 return, there are only three seniors or graduate students on the Royals' roster. Coach Carey and graduate assistant
Trevor Swartz also welcome in 11 new recruits, providing important depth to the EMU lineup. The Royals will compete in four different states during the non-conference portion of the season, as well as host teams from Ohio and Oregon at the newly resurfaced EMU Turf Field. The Royals will look to take another step forward in 2024 after their breakthrough 2023 season.
To keep up to date with everything surrounding the EMU men's soccer program this year, follow EMU on Twitter and Instagram, like EMU Athletics on Facebook or visit our website.
