HAMILTON - Head coach Erik Ronning gears up for his 22nd season at the helm of Colgate Men's Soccer as they kickoff the 2026 season on Thursday against New Hampshire.

The two sides battled to a scoreless draw last season in Durham, N.H. with six of the 11 starters in that match returning for the Raiders this season.

RETURNING TALENT

Senior Malik Samms returns for his second season with the Raiders after transferring from Middlebury College. Samms led all outfield players in minutes last season with 1,371, starting all 17 games in 2025.

Cole Ramey led the team in goals and points last season with three goals and seven points in 2025. The sophomore returns to lead the attack alongside junior Blake Pipkin. Pipkin, the 2024 Patriot League Rookie of the Year, led the Raiders in assists last season.

Other notable returners include Julian Di Lucia and Jack Beerling. Di Lucia featured in 15 games last season anchoring the backline. With the graduation of Liam Winograd, Di Lucia will step into the leadership role in Colgate's defense. Beerling brings the most experience to the young Raiders squad with 50 matches played in his career. The senior scored his first career goal last season and added an assist.

NEWCOMERS

The Raiders added 15 newcomers including 13 first years, one transfer, and one walk-on. They come from 10 different states and one first-year from England. The additions include four goalkeepers, six midfielders, three defenders, and two forwards.

SCHEDULE OUTLOOK

After the home opener, Colgate heads to Vermont to take on the 2024 National Champion Catamounts. After returning to Hamilton to host Le Moyne (Aug. 27), Colgate will play three straight road matches against UAlbany (Aug. 30), Binghamton (Sept. 2), and Bryant (Sept. 6). Patriot League play begins Sept. 11 as the Raiders host American before an upstate rivalry match against Syracuse on Sept. 15 at home.

On every field and in every arena, Colgate Athletics believes in and delivers a true Division I student-athlete experience. Our coaches recruit students of high intellectual promise who are elite competitors in their sports, and — thanks to loyal and generous alumni, families, and fans like you — Colgate supports high-level academic services, athletic training, travel, health and nutrition, strength and conditioning, career development, and more.

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