The #3 Middlebury men’s soccer team kicks off its 2025 slate on Tuesday, September 2 against Bridgewater State on South Street Field. The Panthers aim to build on a historic 2024 campaign that included their sixth-straight ticket to the NCAA Tournament and a spot in the national semifinals for the second time. The team boasts a strong returning group while welcoming nine first-year players.

Ari Klayman guides the backline after logging the most minutes (1,155) of any returning defender last season. Klayman ranked second on the team and fifth in the NESCAC in assists (seven) alongside three goals. Owen Davis bolsters the unit with over 2,000 career minutes played across 41 outings and 16 starts in his two seasons.

In the midfield, Colin Dugan tallied six goals and three assists a year ago, garnering All-NESCAC and United Soccer Coaches All-New England Region Second Team selections. Eduardo Casanova returns after posting three markers and five helpers in his first season with Middlebury.

Gavin Randolph posted 15 points in 19 contests a season ago to earn league and regional second-team selections. He was also tabbed as the NCAA Elite 90 Award winner. The Panthers return their top goal-scorer and the conference’s reigning rookie of the year in Keagan Harder, who finished third in the conference with 10 scores and led the squad with four game-winners, with two coming in the NCAA Tournament. Will Sawin also contributed career-highs in goals (four) and assists (four).

Elias begins his seventh season guiding the Panthers and his 11th overall. He welcomes back returning assistant coaches Tim Peng, Ben Potter ‘20 and Leland Gazo. Luke Madden ‘25 joins the coaching staff after earning a First Team All-American nod and NESCAC Player of the Year honors last season. Over the last six campaigns, Elias and his staff have led the program to 74 victories, three NESCAC title match appearances and six NCAA Tournament berths.