The spring season saw the Big East split into two divisions, the East and the West, limiting travel. Now, a full schedule is in store for a fall that could feature one of the most competitive races across the conference. A much-improved Seton Hall enjoyed a strong tournament run, while Georgetown will look to hold off other challengers like Providence, St. John’s, Creighton and Marquette.

2021 Spring Men’s Soccer Standings

East

Georgetown 10-2-2 (7-0-2)

Seton Hall 10-2-4 (5-1-2)

Providence 4-4-1 (3-3-1)

St. John's 5-5 (3-5)

Villanova 2-8 (2-5)

Connecticut 1-6-1 (0-6-1)

West

Marquette 8-3-2 (5-1-1)

Creighton 6-6 (5-3)

Butler 4-6-2 (4-2-2)

DePaul 2-5-2 (2-5)

Xavier 3-7-1 (0-5-1)

2021 Spring Postseason Awards

Offensive Player of the Year: Diego Gutierrez, Creighton
 
Midfielder of the Year: Dante Polvara, Georgetown
 
Defensive Player of the Year: Rio Hope-Gund, Georgetown
 
Goalkeeper of the Year: Giannis Nikopolidis, Georgetown
 
Freshman of Year: Beto Soto, Marquette
 
Coaching Staff of the Year: Seton Hall

Fall 2021 Preview

Georgetown

The 2019 defending champions were one of the prominent powers that fell in the NCAA tournament at the hands of Marshall. At that point, Derek Dodson, Rio Hope-Gund and Jacob Montes had all departed for pro opportunities. With that trio, the Hoyas could very well have repeated. Now, head coach Brian Wiese still has a strong spine with Giannis Nikopolidis back for his senior year, and a strong spine in Dante Polvara and Sean Zawadzki. If Stefan Stojanovic can provide the consistent presence and finishing in the box, the Hoyas have enough talent to put together another strong campaign.

Seton Hall

Arguably the favorites for the fall campaign, the Pirates are an international-heavy squad with ample experience and talent. Luca Dahn and CJ Tibbling provide quality at the back and up front, while Jeanpaul Marin had a breakout spring campaign. If Seton Hall stays healthy, a Marshall-like season can’t be ruled out.

Providence

Another program that has shown itself to be capable of challenging for first place, the Friars return ample talent, like many programs in the conference. Paolo Lima and Ramzi Qawasmy are two of a handful of seniors, while Davis Paul is back as a graduate student. If things come together for the Friars, then it certainly give problems to the rest of the league.

St. John's

It’s an intriguing season that lies ahead for the Red Storm; Tani Oluwaseyi will miss the campaign due to an injury. That’s a blow that potentially limits the team’s ceiling, unless a replacement goal-getter is found. The team’s defense should be difficult to breakdown with Brandon Knapp and graduate transfer Lucas Bartlett set to feature significantly.

Villanova

The goals weren’t there during the spring campaign, with Lyam Mackinnon’s two goals and two assists leading the team. If someone like freshman Balthazar Saunders can emerge in the upcoming campaign, it would give the Wildcats a much-needed shot in the arm.

Marquette

Life in the spring season went well for the Golden Eagles, which won the West Division. Lukas Sunesson’s six goals were a big part of that team’s success, and he’s one of several players back for the fall. Beto Soto made a positive first impression in the spring, and will look to carry that over into the fall campaign.

Creighton

The extra year of eligibility available is massive for several programs, and Diego Gutierrez’s return to Creighton provides another attacking asset. Along with his return, Paul Kruse should be back in goal after missing most of the spring due to injury. That gives the Bluejays a solid foundation to play their way into contention.

Butler

The margins can be small in the Big East and a player like Wilmer Cabrera Jr. can make a massive difference. Butler had a decent showing in the spring during conference play, and between Cabrera, redshirt senior Rhys Myers, and a few other players, has the capability of beating anyone in the conference.

DePaul

The Blue Demons were no pushovers in the spring season, so it’s a case of improving in the right areas to carry that over. Leading scorer Jake Fuderer is back, after he tallied four times in nine games. Improving a defense that conceded 20 times in that stretch would certainly make it easier on the team.

Xavier

A winless run in the Big East came to a close early when COVID issues forced the cancellation of the final two games of the spring season. That team has a long list of experienced and talented returning players that will surely be motivated in make strides this season, from Felix Boe-Tangen, Justus Kauppinen, Karsen Henderlong and Jansen Miller.