Men’s Soccer Targets NCAA Tournament Berth Behind 16-Game Unbeaten Run

Haverford Men’s Soccer (9-0-7) earned its first national recognition since 2021 this week, receiving votes in the United Soccer Coaches week six national ranking. Propelled by a 16-game unbeaten streak, the Fords were also ranked #4 in Region III in the most recent NCAA Power Index (NPI).

After finishing in last place in the conference in 2024, the turnaround may have been a surprise for outsiders, but the group, anchored by senior captains Juan Rivera, Kieran Kunihiro, and Gabe Knopf, never lost hope. “I think the team really committed to the idea of redeeming the prior season,” said Kunihiro. “We knew we were a far more dedicated and talented group than what our record displayed.”

That conviction became the foundation for one of the most dramatic single-year improvements in program history—a shift that head coach Kevin Brenner, hired in 2023, credits to a commitment to habits and details. “In the offseason, we invested heavily in the details—our physical preparation, our tactical identity, and our team culture,” said Brenner. “We’ve modernized our approach to player development, game preparation, and recruiting, while staying true to the program’s values.”  

New faces have also been an extraordinary boost for the Fords.  “This is my first true recruiting cycle, and I brought in players who are not just talented but fully aligned with our purpose and culture,” said Brenner. “They believe in the process, and that belief is contagious.” 

Particularly exciting in a promising group of freshmen has been Charles Sharp, who has emerged as a key offensive contributor for the team. Sharp, recruited from the Colorado Rapids’ ECNL team, has recorded five goals and three assists thus far—including a late winner in a thriller against TCNJ on October 7. His goal tally is good for fourth place in the Centennial Conference, and has begun to earn him broader recognition, with the forward recently receiving Centennial Conference Offensive Player of the Week.

The emergence of sophomore Jonathan D’Amour, who was injured for the majority of his freshman season, has bolstered the Fords’ midfield. “[He] has come in as a sophomore and had a huge impact,” said Rivera. D’Amour is tied with Sharp for the team lead of five goals. 

Behind every great offense is an experienced playmaker pulling the strings. Junior Thomas Vanni is building on an already strong college career, leading the Conference with nine assists, 6th best in the nation. Vanni, who has steadily improved each season at Haverford, should earn plenty of looks for All-Conference teams come awards season.

The transfer of goalkeeper Grayson Benson ‘28 to the Fords from Oberlin has been a massive addition as well. “[Benson] has stepped in seamlessly and has had safe hands all year, which has allowed us to shut out some very good offenses,” said Rivera. Benson has the second-lowest goals against average in the Centennial Conference and is a joint leader in shutouts with seven. These statistics have been made possible by a stellar back line that has let up the second-lowest shot total in the conference, in no small part thanks to breakout seasons from juniors Josh Brown and Carter Kroenke.

The success of the younger players has been a catalyst for the whole team. “The underclassmen have been huge in helping us succeed this season,” said Knopf. “They have been pushing everyone in practice, and when given the chance, guys have really stepped up on the field to help us win some big games.” The competition has brought out the best in the team: Haverford’s offense has been explosive all season, with 16 different players finding the back of the net.

The Fords have already had strong showings against ranked opponents this season, including a 2-0 win against then No. 2 Rowan and a 1-1 draw with No. 9 Dickinson. However, despite receiving the most votes of any team outside the Top 25 in the week six national poll and picking up two wins in two games since, the Fords were not ranked in the most recent United Soccer Coaches poll from October 21. They will have an opportunity to make some noise this coming week with their next test against (RV) Muhlenberg at home today. Their upcoming game represents a chance to not only break into the national Top 25 but also set the all-time program record with 17 games unbeaten.

The national recognition the team received in week six has been an exciting barometer, but by no means are the Fords getting complacent. “It’s a great acknowledgment of the work our players have put in, but we view it as a byproduct, not the destination,” said Brenner. “Being ranked regionally and receiving national Top 25 votes means people are noticing what’s being built here again—the discipline, the focus, and the relentless energy our players bring.”

Kunihiro echoed the sentiment, stating that earning national recognition is an “amazing feeling” while also acknowledging “how important it is to stay humble and keep working.”

Despite being unbeaten, the Fords (2-0-4 in conference) are currently in only fourth place and have work to do to secure their spot in the postseason. “We are aiming to host a playoff game on Walton Field and book a spot in the NCAA tournament,” said Rivera. “I know how special it would be for the program and our team to bring playoff soccer back to campus after so many years.” 

Haverford may have been out of the national spotlight in recent years, but this group of players is determined to breathe new life into a program that has made seven NCAA Tournament appearances, most recently in 2018. “The team fully understands how important it is to bring the program back to the standard that was set by the alumni before us,” said Kunihiro.

Brenner added, “This program has deep roots, and our players understand that they’re writing the next chapter of a story that started in 1901.”