Lawrence names Benjamin Gyuricza as its new Men's Soccer Head Coach

QuoteLawrence University has named Benjamin Gyuricza as its new head men's soccer coach, Director of Athletics Jason Imperati announced today.

Gyuricza brings more than 10 years of collegiate, academy, and pre-professional coaching experience, along with a strong commitment to the Division III philosophy of academic success, personal growth, and competitive excellence.

Most recently, Gyuricza served as Assistant Men's Soccer Coach at Concordia University of Wisconsin (NCAA Division III) from 2015–2025. During that span, he helped guide the Falcons to four NACC Conference Championships and the first NCAA national ranking in program history. He played a key role in recruiting, academic accountability, program development, and alumni engagement throughout the most successful era in school history.

In addition to his Division III experience, Gyuricza has coached at the highest club levels in the country. He is a founding coach of Bavarian United's MLS NEXT Academy — the top youth platform in the United States — and led the U19 team to the 2024 MLS NEXT Academy Playoffs, the first Wisconsin team to qualify. He currently serves within Bavarian United's MWPL program following the club's league transition. Gyuricza also holds the prestigious United States Soccer Federation A-Youth National Coaching License — the highest youth coaching license in the country.

"We are extremely excited to welcome Ben to Lawrence," said Imperati. "His experience, energy, and vision for building a competitive Division III program make him a tremendous fit for our department and our university."

"Throughout the search Ben's candidacy stood out among the field," said Director of Soccer Operations Joe Sagar. "He has a proven record of coaching at the highest club levels in the country which will lead to invaluable contributions to the recruitment of high-level soccer players to Lawrence University. Ben has the highest qualifications with his licensing and over a decade of college experience under his belt. I fully believe Lawrence University has hired an incredibly talented coach who will make the program into a competitive program that is capable of winning conference championships."

Gyuricza is already starting in his role and is out recruiting for the upcoming 2026 season

Quote from: Caz Bombers on February 13, 2026, 10:02:43 AMI also don't think it would be good for D3 to have a sudden influx of perhaps 100 or more schools that don't really want to be here, either institutionally or from their fan base perspective.

If there ever really was a move out of DI of that scale, it would be to create some alternative/lower "DI" level, akin to the old DI-AA (FCS) in football.  Most schools and their alums simply couldn't take the horror of being seen as "dropping" from DI. 

If there was a big D3 move, I could see it as being one that emphasized high academic/high athletic in a way that was characterized as DIII+ or something like that.  For example, the Ivy League and the Patriot League could move to a "high athletic/high academic" division with its own set of rules.  There would probably be a clamor from existing DIII schools eager to get in that division for branding purposes.

Joe Machado is apparently no longer head coach at SUNY Cobleskill after 11 years.  The school just posted a listing for new head coach of men's soccer and the coaching page on their website is missing.

The ASC just announced that it has signed on with Flo Sports, making it a clean sweep of the conferences in Region X

QuoteAUSTIN, TX - (February 10, 2026) – FloSports and the American Southwest Conference (ASC) today announced an exclusive media rights partnership that will bring comprehensive coverage of ASC athletics to the FloCollege platform, beginning with the 2026–27 athletic year. Through this agreement, FloSports will serve as the global streaming home for live and on-demand ASC competitions and its six member institutions: East Texas Baptist University, Hardin-Simmons University, Howard Payne University, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, and McMurry University and Schreiner University (joining in the 2026-27 season).
 
The ASC is the tenth NCAA Division III conference to join FloCollege and the 19th conference to join the platform. As part of its ongoing investment in Division III coverage, FloSports will support the ASC with access to its FloSports Production Suite, a production package that elevates stream quality, broadcast graphics, and viewer experiences. Use of FloSports Production Suite has resulted in 100% delivery of 60 FPS video feeds and dramatic increases in stream uptime and graphic capabilities for partners. FloSports plans to roll it out to all new partners joining the platform with a target of reaching 100 schools using the service during the next academic school year.
 
"ASC student-athletes and institutions deserve a platform that showcases their achievements with best-in-class presentation and storytelling that is on par with their Division-I counterparts," said John Turner, GM of FloCollege. "Our commitment to fulfill this promise to partners is what drives us, and we welcome ASC to FloCollege as we continue to invest in the growth of Division III athletics."
 
***

"Partnering with FloCollege marks a transformative step forward for the ASC and our student-athletes," said ASC Commissioner Leslie Schuemann. "This collaboration ensures that our competitions and achievements will be showcased to wider audiences with exceptional quality and storytelling, elevating the profile of ASC and Division III sports while inspiring future generations. By reaching more fans nationwide and highlighting the high level of competition within the ASC, we are reinforcing our commitment to being competitive at the national level and providing our student-athletes with the recognition they deserve."
 
***
 
Under the agreement, FloCollege will stream the full ASC competitive calendar, including regular-season contests, conference championships, and featured events across men's and women's sports. FloCollege is available via web, mobile apps (iOS and Android), and smart TV platforms including Roku, Samsung, Fire TV, Google TV, Apple TV, LG, and VIZIO.

Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 10, 2026, 01:24:57 PMIt's probably more realistic that, if these schools were to demonstrate some wise stewardship of their resources and heed the advice of Brian Barrio by vacating D1, most of them would go to D2. The ones that would go to D3 would likely be the schools that fit the majority D3 profile of small private schools, such as Furman, Canisius, High Point, Niagara, Davidson, etc. -- in other words, schools like future D3 member St. Francis (PA).

Just based on size and similarity/proximity to other D3 schools, it would probably include most of the Patriot League, Presbyterian, Mount St. Mary's (MD), Chicago State, Mercyhurst, St. Bonaventure, Robert Morris, Stonehill, LeMoyne, Saint Peters, Mississippi Valley State, Merrimack, University of Evansville

More likely, some very small DI schools could merge with other DI schools, like Queens is doing with Elon (although I think athletics are separate for now).

I thought this interview with a DI AD was interesting, particularly this quote in bold below (which you can see before the paywall starts):

"I don't think it's controversial to estimate that there are at least 200 D-I schools that would be better off financially if they eliminated all scholarships and joined Division III."

QuoteWhy "the rest" of Division I needs its own path

by Brian Barrio

I can't pinpoint the exact reason why these mid- and low-major ADs are remaining quiet — but I will tell you it is definitely NOT because everything at that level is going well. The approximately 80 percent of D-I programs that do not have multi-million dollar media deals or a taste of College Football Playoff revenue are in a state of crisis that is getting worse each year. Putting aside a small number of outliers — a few top Big East and A-10 basketball programs — these departments are hemorrhaging money after more than a decade of significant cost increases brought on by rule changes aimed (unsuccessfully) at deflecting student-athlete lawsuits.

Division I members now are under pressure to provide a level of services, scholarships and, as of this year, cash — expenses that ADs, if they could speak candidly, would say are out of tune with their programs' revenue potential. The system is unsustainable over even the medium term. Most schools have only negligible meat left on the bone in terms of ticket and corporate sponsorship revenue, and NIL fundraising asks have tested their relationships with donors. 

While wealthy supporters can be tapped repeatedly for decades to put their names on new facilities, their patience is much shorter for gifts of cash to 19-year-old athletes in one-bid basketball leagues. Relationships are challenged even more by the near-certainty that any breakout star will depart for greener pastures.

Additionally, the cost of being in Division I has gone up in a straight line since about 2012, yet the reward, the NCAA men's basketball tournament bid every school dreams will spark an explosive increase in applications and donations, still only goes to one conference member per year. In these leagues, 10 to 14 schools compete for that prize, but the ticket to play costs three times what it did 15 years ago.

I don't think it's controversial to estimate that there are at least 200 D-I schools that would be better off financially if they eliminated all scholarships and joined Division III.

After all, the power conferences operating in a completely different manner than the rest of Division I. So as the demographic cliff looms and the financial vise tightens for non-power conference schools, it would be wise to build a system that doesn't require the two divergent groups to pretend they are the same. Low- and mid-major programs must take control of their futures, acknowledge financial realities and reemphasize the things that make their programs worth the investment.

Quote from: SierraFD3soccer on February 06, 2026, 02:10:00 PMThe time goalkeepers must release the ball after gaining possession could increase to eight seconds next season. Officials would make an accompanying visual signal for the final five seconds of the count. If the goalkeeper doesn't release the ball within eight seconds, the opposing team would be awarded a corner kick. This change would align the NCAA with international rules.

Currently, goalkeepers have six seconds to release the ball after gaining possession, and if the ball isn't released, the opposing team receives an indirect free kick.

About time - I really hope it is enforced just like they do when taking the ball up court in basketball . Ref don't seem to even warn keepers with the 6 sec. penalty much less give indirect kicks.

There was a play last fall in the Colorado College v. Concordia TX game in the last seconds of the game that would have been directly impacted by the new GK rule.  They called CC's GK for holding the ball beyond 6 seconds, but never indicated the count and did so in a game-defining situation when they did not enforce the rule in earlier moments in the game. It allowed Concordia to score the game-tying goal because the restart currently does not require the referee's whistle and there was no time for the CC defense to get back to the box to defend the restart.

If the NCAA adopts to sport-specific committee's recommendation, the referee will be required to give a hand signal for the last 5 seconds AND the consequence for failing to get the ball off in time would be a corner kick rather than an indirect free kick.  I expect the more reasonable consequences will result in more referees making the call.

As part of the process of merging New Jersey City University into Kean University, the NJCU men's soccer team, which finished last in the NJAC in 2025 with a 1-6-2 record in conference and a 4-11-4 record overall, will cease to exist.  The NJCU campus men's soccer players will be eligible to try out for the Kean men's soccer team and Kean will be permitted to have an expanded roster to accommodate players from NJCU.

https://www.kean.edu/jerseycity#g

Quote34. Which sports will require tryouts to compete at Kean?
Tryouts will be held for the following Kean NCAA teams:

    Men's and Women's Soccer
    Men's and Women's Volleyball
    Women's Basketball
    Baseball
    Softball

Rosters for these teams will be expanded to accommodate additional student-athletes from NJCU.

Student-athletes on the Jersey City campus may also try out for sports not currently offered by NJCU, including Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Golf, Football, Flag Football, Women's Tennis and Women's Swimming.

Although that removes one member school of the NJAC for men's soccer, the conference has already replaced them with SUNY New Paltz, which is becoming a full member of the NJAC in 2026-27.

Big news out of Redlands!  I think some people assumed the job would go to a Redlands alum or someone with more connection to the program.  It will be interesting to see how Ortega does with the cross-country move given that most of his experience has been in New England with only a short time in Virginia.  Nevertheless, I'm sure he'll settle in pretty quickly.  Redlands is a great job and he is in the middle of a very fertile territory for recruiting that has trod many times while at Amherst.

Redlands names Amherst assistant coach Alex Ortega as new Men's Soccer Head Coach

QuoteThe University of Redlands is pleased to announce the hiring of Alex Ortega as the new Head Coach of its men's soccer program. Alex brings a proven track record of success at the collegiate level, exceptional leadership, and a passion for mentoring student-athletes as the Bulldogs prepare for the next chapter of their program.
 
"Redlands has a proud tradition of developing competitive, well-rounded student-athletes, and we are committed to building on that legacy," said University of Redlands President Krista Newkirk. "We are thrilled to welcome Coach Ortega into our community and look forward to seeing men's soccer continue to grow and succeed under his leadership."
 
Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics, Nikki Ayers added, "This was a highly competitive national search, and throughout the process, Alex consistently distinguished himself through his experience, leadership, and commitment to student-athlete success that make him well-suited to guide the program into the future."
 
Alex joins the Bulldogs from Amherst College, where he served as Assistant Men's Soccer Coach and helped lead the team to unprecedented successes, including back-to-back NESCAC Championships in 2022 and 2023, an NCAA Sweet 16 appearance in 2022, a national runner-up finish in 2023, and the 2024 National Championship. He has also coached at Randolph-Macon College in Virginia, Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts, and Colby-Sawyer College in New London, New Hampshire, earning a reputation for fostering excellence, teamwork, and student-athlete growth.
 
"I'd like to thank Vice President Ayers and the entire search committee for their efforts throughout the hiring process," said Ortega. "It is an honor and a privilege to be selected to lead the next chapter of Redlands men's soccer and continue the longstanding success the program has seen under Coach Perez. I'm excited to begin working with this group and immerse myself in the Redlands community."
 
This announcement coincides with a moment of change for the men's soccer program, as the University celebrates the retirement of Coach Ralph Perez, who has led the team for 19 remarkable years and enjoyed an amazing career spanning more than 50 years in the sport. 

"It has been an honor to coach at Redlands and be part of the incredible Bulldog community. I am confident that I am leaving the program in very capable hands, and I look forward to watching Coach Ortega and the team prosper in the years ahead," said Coach Perez.

The Bulldogs enter this next chapter with strong momentum, coming off a 9-7-4 overall record and a 6-3-3 SCIAC record, earning co-champion status in the conference in the most recent season.

Redlands names Amherst assistant coach Alex Ortega as new Men's Soccer Head Coach

QuoteThe University of Redlands is pleased to announce the hiring of Alex Ortega as the new Head Coach of its men's soccer program. Alex brings a proven track record of success at the collegiate level, exceptional leadership, and a passion for mentoring student-athletes as the Bulldogs prepare for the next chapter of their program.
 
"Redlands has a proud tradition of developing competitive, well-rounded student-athletes, and we are committed to building on that legacy," said University of Redlands President Krista Newkirk. "We are thrilled to welcome Coach Ortega into our community and look forward to seeing men's soccer continue to grow and succeed under his leadership."
 
Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics, Nikki Ayers added, "This was a highly competitive national search, and throughout the process, Alex consistently distinguished himself through his experience, leadership, and commitment to student-athlete success that make him well-suited to guide the program into the future."
 
Alex joins the Bulldogs from Amherst College, where he served as Assistant Men's Soccer Coach and helped lead the team to unprecedented successes, including back-to-back NESCAC Championships in 2022 and 2023, an NCAA Sweet 16 appearance in 2022, a national runner-up finish in 2023, and the 2024 National Championship. He has also coached at Randolph-Macon College in Virginia, Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts, and Colby-Sawyer College in New London, New Hampshire, earning a reputation for fostering excellence, teamwork, and student-athlete growth.
 
"I'd like to thank Vice President Ayers and the entire search committee for their efforts throughout the hiring process," said Ortega. "It is an honor and a privilege to be selected to lead the next chapter of Redlands men's soccer and continue the longstanding success the program has seen under Coach Perez. I'm excited to begin working with this group and immerse myself in the Redlands community."
 
This announcement coincides with a moment of change for the men's soccer program, as the University celebrates the retirement of Coach Ralph Perez, who has led the team for 19 remarkable years and enjoyed an amazing career spanning more than 50 years in the sport. 

"It has been an honor to coach at Redlands and be part of the incredible Bulldog community. I am confident that I am leaving the program in very capable hands, and I look forward to watching Coach Ortega and the team prosper in the years ahead," said Coach Perez.

The Bulldogs enter this next chapter with strong momentum, coming off a 9-7-4 overall record and a 6-3-3 SCIAC record, earning co-champion status in the conference in the most recent season.

For all of its faults, FloSoccer does repost on Instagram some highlights in the offseason that are pretty cool.  I saw this goal from Pomona-Pitzer's Aidan MacLennan against Occidental in real time and it is still a beaut.  Oxy had two cameras and the field-level camera was perfectly positioned to get the behind-the-shooter angle on this one.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DT--OA7DtUO/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

DI St. Francis seeks new Men's Soccer Head Coach as it begins reclassifying to DIII in Fall 2026

St. Francis is looking for a coach "to organize and direct a Division III soccer program."  Mads Kaiser, who coached the team for the previous three years while they were in DI and was NEC coach of the year in 2023 when the team went 7-0-8, was not interested in doing that. He just started this month at DI Southern Indiana, which went 2-10-5 last season.

Quote from: NEPAFAN on January 22, 2026, 09:41:30 AMIs there anything that exists like this for D3?

TopDrawerSoccer, is the best we have to go off, is my guess?

Other than TopDrawer (which is basically just self-reported information, skewed mostly to DI), there is New England Soccer Journal for regional commits (behind a paywall).  I tried to do a thread last year on Region X commits, gleaned mostly from club or player instagram posts, Top Drawer, word of mouth, etc, but it's a little overwhelming to keep up with it given the size of the region.

Joe Luedke steps down as Wisconsin Lutheran Men's Soccer HC after 26 seasons

QuoteWisconsin Lutheran College Athletics announced today that Head Men's Soccer Coach Joe Luedke is stepping down from his position after 26 seasons leading the Warriors. Luedke will transition into a full-time role as Director of Coaching for Elmbrook United Soccer Club.

Luedke, the second-longest tenured head men's soccer coach in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference, departs as the winningest coach in program history with 161 career victories.

Under Luedke's leadership, WLC recorded three seasons with 10 or more wins, including a school-record 11 victories in 2012. In 2007, he was named NAC Coach of the Year after guiding Wisconsin Lutheran to its first-ever 10-win season in program history. Over his 26 seasons, the Warriors qualified for the conference tournament 15 times.

One of the program's most notable postseason runs came in 2016, when WLC entered the conference tournament as the No. 6 seed and upset No. 3 MSOE and No. 1 Dominican in consecutive matches, coming one game shy of an NCAA Tournament berth. More recently, Wisconsin Lutheran achieved a milestone in 2024, earning its first-ever regional ranking after posting the best start to a season in program history at 7-2-2.

Quote from: jknezek on January 21, 2026, 11:12:23 AMYeah. I don't think there is a D3 soccer equivalent. Indiana is a byproduct of the massive shift in D1 athletics, especially football and basketball, and a fantastic coaching hire. The ingredients required for this kind of rags to riches shift, impossibly fast roster turnover, traditional power becoming irrelevant by dollars, and a coach that learned what Calipari struggled to learn... strong, proven men all over the playing surface are better than outstanding young talented boys.

But without the earthquake of changes to how FBS football works, it doesn't happen like this. I'm not saying Indiana couldn't have improved, I'm saying the lightning shift doesn't happen without the transfer portal, the importance of dollars, and a brilliant coach.

If FBS programs have any sense, the value for proven 20+ year old players should have just blown past the value for flashy 5 star incoming freshman. Honestly, the G5 has become AAA. They should be able to recruit better young players now, but they are going to get picked clean for any of them that actually develop after a year or two.

Interestingly, there are some parallels in DIII to the kind of changes that propelled Indiana to the top - roster limits in DI, the transfer portal, the creation of the NPI (which potentially allows some underrated teams to climb the rankings more quickly than they would have under the regional ranking system), expanded recruiting georgraphically, retirements/removals of chronically underperforming coaches as DIII schools recognize the importance of athletics in enrollment, expanded international recruiting in DIII, etc. 

As I said in the original post, there probably are no actual Indiana stories in DIII men's soccer.  There are some pretty quick turnarounds in records in recent years, but none of these teams made any noise in the NCAA tournament:

TCNJ (2-12-15 in 2024; 11-5-5 in 2025)
Caltech (1-12-1 in 2021; 8-7-3 in 2024)
Haverford (2-11-5 in 2024; 10-0-10 in 2025)
Lake Forest (4-13-1 in 2021; 19-2 in 2025)
Edgewood (1-15-1 in 2022; 17-2-2 in 2024)

There are probably other good examples of this.