The St. John's men's soccer team is set to kick off its 2026 season against Loyola Maryland on Thursday at 6 p.m., streamed on ESPN+. Coming off a season with a 9-6-4 record and a 23rd NCAA Tournament appearance, the team is looking to build on its achievements under Coach Dr. Dave Masur. The Johnnies return 12 players from last year, including key contributors on both defense and midfield, while adding 20 newcomers, including notable talent from around the globe. This year marks the 30th anniversary of their 1996 NCAA Championship win, adding a historical context to their current campaign.

By the Numbers
  • St. John's has achieved 23 NCAA Tournament berths and nine BIG EAST titles under Coach Masur.
  • The Red Storm has a 24-14-8 (.609) all-time record in season openers, with a 19-10-6 (.629) mark during Masur's tenure.
  • Last season, St. John's successfully converted all 7 penalty kicks, ranking in the national lead for penalty accuracy.
Yes, But

Despite a strong returning roster, St. John's faces challenges against Loyola Maryland, which leads their historical match-up 4-0-3, including a recent 1-0 victory last season. The team's previous performances provide a conducive backdrop for potential rivalry pressures.

State of Play
  • St. John's begins its season after a competitive year, having performed well against top-ranked teams.
  • Loyola Maryland returns key players but finished last season with a 3-10-3 record, indicating a struggling program.
  • The Johnnies aspire to leverage their strong returning lineup against a historically dominant opponent.
What's Next

Following the opener, St. John's will play New Hampshire on August 27 and host No. 20 Hofstra on September 1, aiming to establish momentum early in the season.

Bottom Line

The Red Storm's juxtaposition of returning experience and new talent positions them for a promising season, but overcoming historical rivalries and ensuring performance consistency will be crucial for success.