Why This Top-5 Men's Soccer Team Could Face a SHOCKING Upset Against Seton Hall—Don’t Miss the Drama!

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – In a thrilling moment for the Ocean State, the 11th seeded Bryant University men's soccer team is set to face off against the Seton Hall Pirates in the second round of the 2025 NCAA Division I men's soccer championship. The match will kick off on Sunday, November 23, at 6:00 p.m. at Beirne Stadium, marking a significant event for local soccer fans, as it is the first time in a decade that Rhode Island has hosted a second-round game in this prestigious tournament.

This upcoming clash marks a historic achievement for head coach Ruben Resendes and the Bryant Bulldogs, who received an at-large bid, the first in the program's history. With a record of 16-2-2 this season, the Bulldogs are on a mission to secure their first victory in the NCAA men’s soccer championship, aiming to advance further than any previous team from Bryant.

This season, the Black and Gold have made their mark, outscoring opponents 41-12 and averaging an impressive 2.05 goals per game. Their solid defense has also been a standout, holding opponents to just 0.6 goals per game. They have been consistently ranked in the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 since a significant win against UMass back in September, even ascending to as high as No. 2 in the country. With a +29 goal differential, they currently rank fourth nationally.

As for Seton Hall, they enter this contest with enthusiasm after overcoming a nail-biting challenge from Siena last Thursday, ultimately winning on penalty kicks after a scoreless regulation. This will be Seton Hall’s 14th appearance in the NCAA tournament, and they hold a combined NCAA record of 9-14. The Pirates last appeared in the tournament in 2022 and finished their Big East campaign in sixth place with a conference record of 3-1-4.

Notable Matchup Details:

• Opponent: Seton Hall
• Location: Smithfield, R.I. (Beirne Stadium)
• Kickoff: Sunday, November 23 – 6:00 p.m.
• Watch: ESPN+
• Live Stats: LiveStats

Bryant and Seton Hall have yet to face each other in a Division I soccer setting, making this match all the more intriguing for fans and players alike. The stakes are high as each team aims for a victory that could shift the momentum of the tournament.

Head coach Ruben Resendes has a notable record of 42-10-8 in his three seasons at Bryant. Remarkably, the Bulldogs won a total of 41 games in the nine seasons prior to his arrival, showcasing the impact of his leadership. Over the past three seasons, the Bulldogs have recorded a home winning record of 19-6-2, demonstrating their capability to perform under pressure.

Several standout players are key to Bryant’s success this season. Jaime Amaro leads the America East conference with four game-winning goals, seven assists, ten goals, and a total of 27 points. He is on the verge of breaking the program record for the most points in a season and is just one goal shy of tying the school record for most goals in a season. Additionally, Mamadi Jiana and Paco Fernandez are both ranked in the top ten for goals in the conference, further showcasing the depth of talent on the Bulldogs' roster.

Seton Hall's Mikkel Lejibowicz leads his team with seven goals this season, while goalkeeper Matias Molina made crucial saves in their match against Siena, helping secure their advancement in the tournament. The Pirates’ efforts this season have built a solid foundation for their return to the NCAA tournament after a brief hiatus, and they will surely be hungry for victory against Bryant.

As the match approaches, the excitement among fans is palpable. The NCAA tournament represents the pinnacle of college soccer, and this encounter between Bryant and Seton Hall promises to deliver an exhilarating experience for players and supporters alike. With everything on the line, both teams are poised to seize the moment—90 minutes, one ball, and one chance to advance in the championship. Will Bryant make history with their first tournament win, or will Seton Hall spoil their dreams? Only time will tell.