PSAC releases Men’s Soccer Preseason Coaches’ Poll; Bald Eagles open season on Sept. 4
LOCK HAVEN– For the Lock Haven men’s soccer team, the start of the 2025 season is on the horizon. The Bald Eagles will open the 2025 campaign on the road in Philadelphia when The Haven takes on Chestnut Hill on Thursday, Sept. 4.
Under eighth-year head coach Patrick Long ’08, the Bald Eagles are set for their second year in the Western Division, after rejoining the PSAC West in 2024.
In preparation of the 2025 season, the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) released the Preseason Coaches’ Poll, and Lock Haven was picked fourth in the Western Division.
Lock Haven finished in the fourth spot in 2024, with an 8-8-1 overall record and 5-5 mark in the PSAC West. The Haven will look to make the jump into the top three to secure a trip to the PSAC Men’s Soccer Tournament.
PSAC Coaches Preseason Poll:
In the West, Gannon earned five first-place votes as the preseason favorite. Seton Hill landed one first-place vote and was picked second with Slippery Rock following to round out the top-three. Lock Haven, California (Pa.) and Pitt-Johnstown were slated at four through six, respectively.
In the East, three schools earned votes for the top spot, led by Bloomsburg (3), Millersville (2) and East Stroudsburg (1). West Chester came in at four, while Shepherd and Shippensburg were slated at fifth and sixth to round out the Eastern Division.
EAST
1. Bloomsburg (3)
2. Millersville (2)
3. East Stroudsburg (1)
4. West Chester
5. Shepherd
6. Shippensburg
WEST
1. Gannon (5)
2. Seton Hill (1)
3. Slippery Rock
4. Lock Haven
5. California
6. Pitt-Johnstown
A look back at 2024
Prior to the season, the Bald Eagles returned to the PSAC West for the first time since 2009.
The Bald Eagles finished the 2024 season with an 8-8-1 overall record and 5-5 mark in the PSAC West. The Haven was edged out for the third and final postseason spot on the last day on the regular season.
The program landed six athletes on the All-PSAC West team, led by Connor Swope and Danny Ogan’s First Team selections.
The Road Ahead:
Following the season-opener at Chestnut Hill, the Bald Eagles will remain on the road for non-conference contests at Bloomsburg (Sept. 6) and Shepherd (Sept. 10).
The Bald Eagles’ home opener is set for Saturday, Sept. 13 vs. Findlay at Hubert Jack Stadium.
The Haven’s PSAC West schedule will open with a showdown at Slippery Rock on Wednesday, Oct. 1, before the group returns home to host California (Pa.) on Oct. 4.
Lock Haven’s remaining home schedule will feature Pitt-Johnstown, Seton Hill, Slippery Rock and Gannon.
The PSAC Championship Tournament is scheduled to kick off on Monday, Nov. 10.
Bald Eagle ties lead to strong recruiting class:
Coach Long and the Bald Eagles announced the addition of 11 newcomers to the program in 2025. Seven of the 11 athletes had strong ties to a Lock Haven men’s soccer alumnus.
The 10 freshmen and one transfer join The Haven from Pennsylvania, Maryland, Canada, Mexico and New Zealand.
To learn more about the 2025 incoming class, click here.
2025 Men’s Soccer Goal-A-Thon:
The Goal-A-Thon is back for the 2025 season, and the Bald Eagles need your support.
To learn more and get involved, click here.
