St. John’s Men’s Soccer is heading back to familiar territory: The NCAA College Cup. The Johnnies have officially clinched a tournament berth for 2025, marking the 22nd tournament appearance in program history, the last one coming in 2021. The Red Storm earned their spot after sailing through a difficult season filled with ups and downs, finishing with an overall record of 9-5-4.
Their tournament journey will begin on Nov. 20, traveling to West Virginia’s Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium where they will face the West Virginia Mountaineers.
The Red Storm have had historic turnouts in the cup, crowning themselves champions in 1996 and runners-up in 2003.
The Johnnies’ season has been highlighted by stellar defensive performances and great showings from several players who have been awarded with All-Conference awards. Senior center backs Godwin Partey and Bjorn Nikolajewski were chosen for the First and Third All-Conference teams, respectively. But the headline honor was bestowed upon freshman Guilherme Gomes, who was not only included in the All-Conference Third Team but also won the Big East Freshman of the Year award, a deserved recognition for his amazing emergence in the season.
The Mountaineers fought to a record of 12-5-4 on the year, which earned them a home advantage for the first game of the Cup. But the Johnnies will be looking to steal a win in John Denver’s favorite place, as they have done four times in the past. The Red Storm has a stunningly positive record against the Mountaineers, coming out on top in ten of their 15 showdowns.
Their last matchup ended in a 1-0 win for West Virginia almost 10 years ago, and they will certainly try to keep their young winning streak alive.
As St. John’s laces up for their 22nd tournament appearance, they will look to their combination of experience, discipline, and talent as pillars to live by, and something to carry them deep into the tournament. The winner of the matchup will face the No. 10 High Point University on Nov. 23, looking to rally for a deep tournament run.
