Gwynedd Mercy University Head Men's Soccer Coach Dave Bontempo has announced a challenging 2026 schedule to enhance the Griffin's brand, with a season opener on September 1 at DeSales University. The early season features intense competition against top teams from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland. Bontempo aims to prepare his players for a demanding schedule while balancing academics and athletics, highlighting the importance of these early matches for potential success in October. The Griffins will confront familiar rivals, including past competitors with notable performance records against them.

By the Numbers
  • Gwynedd Mercy is 17-0-1 all-time versus DeSales University, with a 4-0 loss last season.
  • In their previous matchup, Lancaster Bible College defeated the Griffins 7-1.
State of Play
  • The Griffins are set to host key opponents like Keystone College and Delaware Valley University in September.
  • Gwynedd Mercy University has experienced setbacks against several rivals, including a recent 6-0 loss to Penn State Abington.
What's Next

The team will focus on refining their play through early competition, with hopes that these challenges will lead to better outcomes as they transition into Atlantic East Conference play in October. The goals include securing wins against conference rivals and improving overall team cohesion.

Bottom Line

Coach Bontempo's aggressive scheduling strategy aims to bolster the Griffins' competitiveness and brand, positioning them for potential success during the conference season if they can navigate the initial difficult matchups effectively.