ALFRED, NY – The Alfred University men's soccer team is preparing for a new chapter of action this fall, welcoming a mix of returning and first-year student-athletes.

The Saxons are led by Head Coach Garret Eldridge, who was hired in January of 2025. Eldridge brings a strong record of success at the collegiate level, who spent four seasons as the Head Coach of the men's soccer program at Ithaca College.

"Everyone here at Alfred University has been so welcoming," Eldridge said. "It is a joy to work with everyone and we're looking forward to this season."

Up front, Xavier Bowman (Hampstead, MD/Manchester Valley) will return for his senior season. As a team captain, Bowman has tallied All-Empire 8 honors in each of the previous two seasons. Bowman leads all returners for AU in multiple offensive categories, including goals, assists, points, shots and shots on goal.

For the second consecutive year, Rodrigo Perez (Pelencia, Spain/IES Victorio Macho) has been honored as a team captain for Alfred University. The midfielder earned All-Empire 8 Second Team honors last fall, starting in all 17 games for the Saxons.

AJ Giaquinto (Burnt Hills, NY/Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake) has been named as a team captain for the Saxons ahead of the 2025 season. Entering his third season with the program, Giaquinto has tallied 2,336 minutes on the pitch for AU. Following the 2022 season, Giaquinto was selected as the program's Empire 8 Sportsman of the Year. Giaquinto additionally served as a team captain for the Saxons during the 2023 season.

"We're excited about what our captains bring to our roster," Eldridge said. "Each of them brings experience and talent to our team and we're looking forward to what they can contribute this fall."

Alfred University will begin their 2025 season across the street at Alfred State College on Friday, August 29 at 7:00 PM. The matchup will be the first between the two programs as part of The Alfred Cup, which was announced this past April. Beginning this fall, matchups between Alfred University and Alfred State College will use a point-based system that awards two points for a win, one point for a tie, and zero points for a loss in head-to-head matchups or predetermined meets amongst varsity intercollegiate varsity programs.

The Saxons will open Empire 8 competition at home against Keuka College on September 13. The Empire 8 Championship Tournament is slated to start on November 1.

"We are excited for the upcoming season," Eldridge said. "There is still time for an open competition at all positions. We have some experienced veterans to go with a talented first-year class. We will focus on having a growth mindset throughout the year. If we do that, we believe we have an opportunity to win a lot of games. We just need to stay focused on the day and task at hand."