Men's Soccer | 8/21/2025 3:46:00 PM

NEWARK, N.J. – Rutgers University–Newark men's soccer has officially released its 2025 schedule, featuring a 19-match slate with dynamic non-conference battles and a full New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) lineup.

The Scarlet Raiders kick off the season at Frederick Douglass Field on Friday, August 29, against the University of Redlands, followed by a home match facing Yeshiva University on Sunday, August 31. The following weekend brings the annual Brick City Classic, with Rutgers–Newark welcoming Farmingdale State College, The College of New Jersey, and Penn State Harrisburg on September 6th & 7th. After a midweek test with EasternUniversity on Wednesday, September 10, the Raiders hit the road to face Johns Hopkins University on Saturday, September 13. Non-conference play continues with games against Manhattanville University (Wednesday, September 17),Shenandoah University (Saturday, September 20), and Centenary University (Wednesday, September 24) before conference play begins.

Head Coach Kevin East emphasized the challenge of a competitive schedule. "We open the season at home against a nationally recognized program in Redlands from California, and it will be a great test right away," East said. He added that the slate is filled with quality opponents that will push the Scarlet Raiders, but early success could be key. "If we can put some results together early and build momentum, we should be in good shape heading into NJAC play," he noted. The team's ultimate aim remains clear: "The goal, as always, is to qualify for the postseason and the NJAC Tournament. If we play to our abilities and compete hard each game, postseason play is realistic."

NJAC action opens up on the road on Saturday, September 27th when the Raiders travel to Glassboro for a matchup with Rowan followed by a quick homestrech against Rutgers-Camden on Wednesday, October 1, William Paterson on Saturday, and a non-conference challenge against NYU follows on Wednesday, October 8 before returning to NJAC play.  A quick road trip finds the Scarlet Raiders traveling to Montclair State University (Saturday, October 11) and Kean University (Wednesday, October 15). In the season's backstretch, the Raiders hostTCNJ on Saturday, October 18, travel to Stockton University on Wednesday, October 22, and celebrate Homecoming with a matchup against NJCU on Saturday, October 25, before closing the regular season at home Ramapo College on Wednesday, October 29. The NJAC Championship Tournament kicks off Saturday, November 1, with semifinals on Wednesday, November 5, and the championship final on Saturday, November 8.

Coach's Corner

Head Coach Kevin East and his staff are enthusiastic about the team's depth heading into the season and featured a trio of standout contributors from the 2024 season:. "As a staff, we are enjoying this group and they are working hard," East said. He noted that several newcomers should add both depth and quality to the roster, while experienced returners are showing their leadership. At the same time, younger players and transfers are "pushing them in healthy competition." East added that the overall quality of the squad is stronger than in recent years, and the staff hopes that will translate into positive performances throughout the season.

Erick Cortes was a driving force for the Scarlet Raiders' offense in 2024, leading the team with 13 goals, a mark that ranked second in the NJAC. His standout play earned him a spot on the All-NJAC First Team, and he will look to carry that momentum into the upcoming season as one of Rutgers-Newark's most dangerous attacking threats.

Edgar Silva anchored the midfield, starting 22 of 23 matches while adding six goals and five assists. His five assists placed him among the top 10 in the conference, and his efforts were recognized with an All-NJAC Honorable Mention nod. Silva's consistency and vision in the middle will once again be crucial to Rutgers-Newark's success this year.

Ian Brown delivered in crucial moments for the Scarlet Raiders, scoring important goals such as the equalizer in the comeback draw at FDU–Florham. Despite varying appearances, Brown proved to be a reliable spark off the bench, finishing third on the team in points with four goals and three assists. His energy and timely contributions will make him an important option in the attack once again this year.

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