Rider men's soccer kicks off its 2026 season with an away game against James Madison University on August 20 in Harrisonburg, VA. This match marks the first confrontation between the two teams in over 15 years, with their last meeting resulting in a 4-1 loss for Rider in 2010. JMU enters the season after a challenging 2025 campaign, finishing with a 1-10-5 record. The Broncs, who finished 2-11-4 last season, are expected to perform amidst a preseason coaches' poll placing them 13th in the Metro Conference.

By the Numbers
  • Last Rider vs. JMU match on September 4, 2010: JMU won 4-1.
  • JMU's 2025 record: 1-10-5 (0-6-3 Sun Belt Conference).
State of Play
  • Rider's preseason ranking is 13th in the Metro Conference.
  • Top returners for Rider include Bobby Lucien, Patryk Rojek, and goalkeeper Marius Helias.
What's Next

The Broncs aim to improve their performance from the previous season while targeting a more competitive standing in the Metro Conference. Success against JMU could set a positive tone for subsequent matches.

Bottom Line

This opening match is crucial for Rider to establish momentum in the 2026 season, particularly against a struggling opponent like JMU. A win could bolster team confidence and signal a potential turnaround for the Broncs.