PHILADELPHIA - The La Salle University men's soccer team will open its 2025 season at McCarthy Stadium on Thursday night vs. Lehigh at 8 p.m. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.

The squad looks to build on a strong conclusion to 2024 as the Explorers earned a 2-0-2 record in their last four games to earn an Atlantic 10 Tournament berth.

Who's Back
The Explorers feature four returning goal scorers in Steven Arias, Drew Blackwell, Sean Yurgel, and Alex Zama. Daniel Smith leads the returners after making 16 starts a season ago. He returns alongside fellow senior Michael China, who appeared in all 18 games, starting 15. Between the sticks, Tino Kneis returns for his final campaign after an outstanding 2024. He posted a GAA of 0.86, a La Salle program record (minimum started 50% of games). 

New Faces
La Salle adds 10 newcomers to the roster from eight countries. Toto Esquivel Meza arrives as a transfer from Southern Wesleyan University, while Sasha Rabala arrives from Southern Nazarene University as a junior.

The Schedule
The Explorers' 2025 schedule features eight home games at McCarthy Stadium. After the season opener vs Lehigh, the Explorers will play four straight road contests, including a trip to national power West Virginia. Starting on September 13, La Salle will play three straight home games against local opponents. The Explorers will open conference play against Saint Joseph's on Saturday, Sept. 20. La Salle dives into conference play with trips to Saint Louis and VCU. A three-game homestand sets up the final run of the season.

About Lehigh
La Salle and Lehigh met to open the year at Lehigh last season, with the result coming as a 0-0 draw. Since 2010, the Explorers are 3-0-4 against the Mountain Hawks. Last season, Lehigh earned a 6-10-3 record, earning a berth in the Patriot League Tournament.