The University of Dayton men's soccer team has been predicted to finish second in the 2026 Atlantic 10 Preseason Poll, accumulating 146 points. The Flyers have also seen three players鈥擬ikkel Madsen, Braden Seel, and Miles Bonham鈥攏amed to the Preseason All-Conference Team. They have consistently performed well in the Atlantic 10 Tournament, having reached the finals for the past three years, winning in 2023 and 2024. The season kicks off on August 20, with Dayton facing 12th-ranked Akron for their first match of the season.

By the Numbers
  • Dayton finished the 2025 season with an 8-2-8 overall record (4-1-3 A10).
  • They secured 146 points in the Preseason Poll, placing them second behind Saint Louis, who received 169 points.
Yes, But

While Dayton is favored to do well, they face tough competition from Saint Louis, who are the unanimous favorites, highlighting the challenges ahead. Moreover, if the Flyers do not capitalize on their strong squad, they risk falling short of expectations.

State of Play
  • The 2026 men's soccer season starts on August 20, involving 11 Atlantic 10 schools.
  • Dayton has a strong roster with three players highlighted, but their success in the tournament will depend on overcoming formidable opponents.
What's Next

As the season progresses, Dayton will need to capitalize on their strong preseason standing to navigate challenging matchups and aim for another successful tournament run. The outcomes of early matches will be crucial for building momentum.

Bottom Line

Dayton's strong preseason ranking and player recognition signal promise for the upcoming season, but the team must deliver on the field to meet expectations and contend for the title once again.