In a determined effort amid challenging weather conditions, the Wesleyan men’s soccer team faced Rowan University in the Second Round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament on Sunday, ultimately losing 2-0. The match at Jackson Field marked the end of a promising season for the Cardinals, who finished with a record of 10 wins, 5 losses, and 4 draws, achieving the program’s 1110-win milestone.
The Cardinals entered the postseason with high hopes after securing the #2 seed in the NESCAC and finishing the conference campaign with an impressive 5-1-4 record. Notably, the team achieved victories against ranked opponents such as Amherst and Williams, clinching the Little Three Championship title for the first time in over a decade.
The weather during the match was a stark contrast to the previous day’s sunny victory; strong winds, cold temperatures, and intermittent rain tested both teams’ resilience. Despite the No. 11 Cardinals holding an edge in attacking opportunities during the first half, they were unable to convert their chances. The breakthrough came for the Profs just two minutes before halftime when Carill Asanji scored off a rebound after a defensive misplay.
The second half saw Rowan extend their lead with a goal from Johnny Troiano, the Profs’ leading scorer and two-time conference player of the year, who netted his 19th goal of the season with a powerful shot from outside the penalty area. The Cardinals continued to maintain control over the match’s pace, with key performances from players like Saeed, who led the team with three shots on goal, finishing the season with six goals.
Goalkeeper Blanc had a noteworthy performance, recording two saves in the match. He concluded his senior season with a personal best record of 9-5-3, including four shutouts and a total of 63 saves, reflecting his growth and impact throughout his collegiate career. Collectively, Blanc wraps up with a career record of 23-12-10 and 157 career saves over 50 games.
Head coach has now concluded his 27th season with a record of 211-155-56, leading to recognition for his staff with a NESCAC Coaching Staff of the Year honor. The Cardinals’ solid performance throughout the season and their ability to compete at a high level across various matchups provide a solid foundation for continued growth in the future. As they look ahead, the experience gained this season will undoubtedly pave the way for even greater achievements in the coming years.