The beginning of the men's soccer season is just over than a week away, and the River States Conference is excited to preview the 2025 seasons for our member schools! Each RSC school talked with players and coaches from their teams, with those interviews linked below as part of Media Day!
Additionally, each school has spotlighted players expected to be major contributors during the 2025 campaign, and are also listed below as our 2025 Players to Watch!
BRESCIA
Media Day
Players to Watch
Lucas Dos Santos
Senior | Ribeirao Preto, Brazil | Winger
Dos Santos has played in 39 matches over the past three seasons, earning a full-time starting role in 2024. The Brazilian scored two goals, one of which was a game-winner, last season, and assisted on one more.
Lance Dickens
Senior | Owensboro, Kentucky | Defender
Dickens is expected to be one of the top defensive players for the Bearcats this season. An Owensboro native, Dickens has played in 50 matches over the past three seasons, making 40 starts.
IU COLUMBUS
Media Day
Players to Watch
Kevin Cruz
Fifth Year | Zacatecas, Mexico | Midfielder
Kevin Cruz serves as team captain and anchors the midfield with his leadership presence As the Crimson Pride's most experienced player, he provides crucial game management and tactical direction from the center of the pitch.
Eduardo Cordova
Junior | Columbus, Indiana | Defender
Cordova is IU Columbus' premier defensive specialist, and demonstrates exceptional commitment and intensity in every match.
IU EAST
Players to Watch
Noah Backhaus
Sophomore | Neuthard, Germany | Defender
Noah was named to the RSC Third Team after his first season with the Red Wolves.
KENTUCKY CHRISTIAN
Players to Watch
Jeremy Alig
Sophomore | Hebron, Kentucky | Forward/Midfielder
Alig started 14 of the team's 18 matches last season, earning a starting role in his first season on campus.
Patrick McDavid
Sophomore | Grayson, Kentucky | Midfielder
McDavid earned a major role in his first season of collegiate soccer, playing in each of the team's 18 matches and making 17 starts.
MIDWAY
Media Day
Players to Watch
Brayden Gillman
Senior | Fort Thomas, Kentucky | Midfielder/Defender
Gillman comes to Midway with great experience, having previously played at Division I Purdue Fort Wayne (Ind.). He is a very versatile player that will be invaluable to the Eagles with his work ethic and leadership
Elijah Orren
Junior | Concord, North Carolina | Forward
Elijah is a player equipped well to thrive at Midway. He’s an absolute threat to defenses with his ability to score goals in so many ways
OAKLAND CITY
Media Day
Players to Watch
Marc Robertson
Senior | Caroni, Trinidad & Tobago | Midfielder
Robertson was a First Team All-River States Conference selection in 2024. The Trinidadian logged nine points during his junior season, scoring four goals and assisting on another.
Ross O'Brien
Junior | Kilcullen, Ireland | Midfielder
O'Brien earned Second Team All-River States Conference recognition following the 2024 season. O'Brien was one of the main facilitators for the Mighty Oaks last season, leading the team with five assists.
RIO GRANDE
Media Day
Players to Watch
Justin Jimenez
Senior | Alajuela, Puerto Rico | Midfielder
The Puerto Rican appeared in all 18 games last season, starting 17 contests, and is considered a major part of the RedStorm's defensive scheme. The senior attempted just two shots on goal last season, scoring on one of them.
Estevao Goncalves
Sophomore | Sao Paolo, Brazil | Forward
Goncalves appeared in all 18 games last year for the RedStorm, earning 12 starts. The Brazilian finished with five goals, three assists and 13 points.
ST. MARY-OF-THE-WOODS
Media Day
Players to Watch
Marc Valderrama
Sophomore | London, England | Midfielder
Valderrama led the River States Conference in assists last season, adding the assist on eight of the Pomeroys' 21 goals in 2024. He played in each of the team's 16 matches, making 13 starts.
Harry Jackson
Junior | Ellesmere Port, England | Goalkeeper
Jackson did everything he could to keep the Pomeroys in matches last season, making 71 saves and starting each of the team's 16 matches.
SHAWNEE STATE
Media Day
Players to Watch
Nikos Pontikis
Senior | Athens, Greece | Right/Center Back
Holding marks of 12 career goals and six career assists heading into the 2025 season, Shawnee State senior Nikos Pontikis broke out as an effective offensive and defensive talent, posting career-bests of seven goals and four assists in 2024 to earn Second-Team All-RSC accolades. Pontikis has played in 49 games while starting in 48 of those contests for Shawnee State and is a multi-year team captain.
Sekou Mara
Redshirt Freshman | Washington Court House, Ohio | Forward
A promising forward who is expected to play a big role on Shawnee State's frontline in 2025, 6-2 forward Sekou Mara brings much-needed size, strength and pace to a program that posted 35 goals, 96 points, and a .156 shot percentage in 2024 — all marks that ranked third in the River States Conference last season.
WVU TECH
Media Day
Players to Watch
Luka Felix
Senior | Caldas da Rainha, Portugal | Goalkeeper
Luka Felix started 18 games last season with a 1.13 goals-against average. He was named 2024 Defensive Player of the Year and earned First Team All-Conference honors.
Christian Piewe
Senior | Bradford, Canada | Forward
Christian Piewe appeared in 19 games and started six last season, scoring nine goals. He earned 2024 First Team All-Conference honors.