Amidst an insufferable heat wave, Philadelphia, a city known for its sports culture, has embraced soccer in a big way this summer. In the first round of the FIFA Club World Cup, over half a million fans were in attendance, and the talent pool featured athletes from 66 different countries.
Similarly, the energy was lively in Philadelphia last year, as both the Drexel men’s and women’s soccer teams played in some unforgettable moments. From Dominick Bachstein’s standout performance in the men’s team’s upset of number eight Hofstra, to the women’s team’s largest comeback in program history, Vidas Field was a hub for incredible competition.
As the summer continues, excitement surrounding Drexel’s men’s and women’s soccer teams is in the air. Both teams released their schedules recently, giving fans a preview of the competition to come.
Men’s Soccer Preview
Last season, Drexel’s men’s team opened competition with an incredibly strong schedule, including road losses against Marquette and Wisconsin, and notching key wins against Villanova and top-ranked Hofstra.
This season sees an easier route to the CAA championship for the Dragons, as aside from conference stalwarts like Hofstra and Monmouth, Drexel’s schedule is more favorable.
They will open the year in neutral territory with matches against Gardner-Webb and Fordham, two teams who ended last season top-40 in the RPI rankings. Then, the Dragons head home for three games against Northeastern, Monmouth and Mercyhurst,