Harvard University’s men’s soccer team is gearing up for an exciting 2025 season, which kicks off on August 29. Coach Josh Shapiro revealed that the schedule will feature ten home games and opportunities to contest the Ivy League Tournament.
The season opener is against Belmont at Jordan Field, setting the stage for a competitive lineup. Fans can look forward to matches against strong teams like California on September 8 and the defending national champion, Vermont, on October 7. The team also plays its Ivy League opener at home against Princeton on September 27, adding to the season’s excitement.
For the third year, the Ivy League will host a four-team tournament on November 14 and 16. This tournament determines who earns an automatic spot in the NCAA tournament, making each game crucial.
After starting with Belmont, Harvard will face Providence away on September 5. The team then enjoys a four-game homestand from September 16 to 30, featuring regional rivals like New Hampshire and Boston University.
In total, they will have three consecutive home games after their first Ivy road match against Penn. This includes a showdown with Vermont and matches against Yale and Brown.
The Crimson will finish the regular season with a mix of away and home games, wrapping up with contests against Cornell and Dartmouth.
Last season, Harvard tied for fourth in the Ivy League, continuing its streak of finishing in the top half over the last four years. As excitement builds for the new season, fans are eagerly discussing matchups and potential rivalries on social media, showing strong support for the team.
In terms of the bigger picture, collegiate soccer has seen an increase in participation and viewership over the past few years. According to the NCAA, men’s soccer participation has risen by over 4,000 players since 2011. This trend highlights the growing popularity of the sport, especially within the Ivy League.
As we look ahead to the 2025 season, Harvard is not just focused on local rivalries but also on making a mark nationally. Each game will be a step toward either the Ivy League title or a chance at national recognition in the NCAA championship, which begins on November 20.
For further details on the Ivy League and NCAA soccer, you can visit the official NCAA website.