PITMAN, N.J. - The TCNJ men's soccer team was picked to finish third in the NJAC Preseason Coaches' Poll, as released by the league office this morning.
 
Rowan received six first-place votes to take the top spot, followed closely by Montclair State (3) and the Lions. Stockton finished fourth, with newcomer SUNY New Paltz, Rutgers-Camden, Rutgers-Newark, William Paterson, Kean – which received the 10th and final first-place vote – and Ramapo rounding out the poll.
 
TCNJ returns nearly all of its offensive firepower from a season ago, headlined by First Team All-Conference and All-Region honoree Chris Meder. The senior captain led the the Lions and the NJAC in both assists (11) and points (37) a season ago, and will be joined by Second Team All-Conference selection Matt Will (9G, 3A) and 2024 All-NJAC Second Teamer Matias Hornos (3G, 4A).
 
Defensively it will be All-Conference honorees Lawrence Mancino and Matt Maceri fronting 2025 NJAC Goalkeeper of the Year, Sean Najdzinowicz, with the hopes of replicating the team's conference-best 0.81 goals against average from a season ago.
 
TCNJ also welcomes a host of freshmen and transfers ahead of the 2026 campaign, with the likes of Tye Maser, Rory Grace and Ashton Ritter looking to make an immediate impact in the midfield.
 
DeMatteo is eager to see his side continue to make strides in his second year at the helm.
 
"We're excited to continue building on the progress we made last season and aim to take another step forward in a highly competitive NJAC," DeMatteo said. "We're looking forward to integrating another strong group of freshmen and transfers, while honoring the 30th anniversary of our 1996 National Championship team and the legacy they established."
 
TCNJ opens its non-conference slate Tuesday, Sept. 1 with a home matchup against Manhattanville before hitting the road to face off against Elmira and Ithaca. The Lions will then kick off NJAC play Wednesday, Sept. 30 with a highly-anticipated match against 12th-ranked Rowan.
 
2026 NJAC Men's Soccer Preseason Poll
1. Rowan (6)
2. Montclair State (3)
3. TCNJ
4. Stockton
5. New Paltz (dark horse)
6. Rutgers-Camden
7. Rutgers-Newark
8. William Paterson
9. Kean (1)
10. Ramapo