The Holy Cross men's soccer team celebrates after scoring a goal against Boston U.

Mark Seliger Photography

Holy Cross Men's Soccer: Five Things to Watch

LOOKING TO RETURN TO THE POSTSEASON

The Crusaders will be aiming to return to the Patriot League Tournament once again this season, after playing in the tournament semifinals in the spring of 2021. That marked the third Patriot League Tournament appearance during head coach Marco Koolman’s tenure, including two trips to the championship game. In the history of the program, Holy Cross has now played in the Patriot League Tournament 14 times.

2021 Men's Soccer Team Captains, Matt McGonigle, Max Krause, Taj Salawu

CAPTAINS SET TO LEAD THE WAY

Holy Cross has three captains leading the squad this fall, in senior forward Max Krause, junior midfielder Matt McGonigle and junior defender Taj Salawu. Krause and McGonigle, who return to their roles as captains, are the 17th and 18th players in program history to serve as team captains for more than one season. Krause will be in his third straight season as a captain, joining Rusty Guidici (2000-2002), Josh Trott (2004-2006) and Jerry Dickinson (2006-2008) as the only three-time captains in Holy Cross men’s soccer history.

Nick Hellmann-Rhodes dribbling the ball against Boston College.

EXPERIENCED CORE

The Crusaders bring back a solid foundation from last year’s team, with the return of eight players to the starting lineup. That group includes four student-athletes who earned All-Patriot League honors in the spring of 2021. Senior forward Max Krause was a first team All-Patriot League selection, while senior defender Nick Hellman-Rhodes, junior midfielder Matt McGonigle and senior forward Dylan Scanley all made the third team last year.

INFUSION OF YOUTH

Holy Cross adds 13 freshmen to the roster this fall, accounting for almost half of the 27-man roster. This group includes six players straight out of high school, and seven others who deferred admission for one year due to COVID-19. The freshman class is expected to play a key role in the team’s success during the 2021 season.

Dylan Scanley dribbling the ball against Boston University.

FULL SLATE OF GAMES

After having the fall 2020 season postponed due to COVID-19 and only playing four games in the spring of 2021, the Crusaders are ready to play a full schedule this season. Holy Cross is set to play 18 regular season game, including nine contests against Patriot League foes and nine in non-conference action. Holy Cross will open the year at Hartford on Aug. 26, before playing its home opener against Manhattan on Sept. 1. Patriot League play is scheduled to kick off on Sept. 18, when the Crusaders play host to defending champion American.