EDISON, NJ— The Iona University men's soccer program was picked as the preseason favorites in the 2025 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Men's Soccer Preseason poll as announced by the league office on Wednesday. The Gaels have earned the last two MAAC Regular Season Championships and won the program's second ever MAAC Championship a season ago.
 
Iona was picked as the preseason favorite in 2024 and finished last season 11-5-3, 6-1-1 in MAAC play for the second straight league regular season crown and third overall in program history. The Gaels secured the second-ever league title with a 1-0 overtime victory over Rider at Mazzella Field to advance to the NCAA Tournament for the second time in program history. The Maroon & Gold squared off against the eventual national champions, Vermont in the first round.

Rider, the 2024 runner-ups were picked second with 155 points. Siena sits third in the poll followed by Marist and Quinnipiac tied for fourth to round out the top five in the poll. 

Iona returns 14 letterwinners from last season, headlined by All-MAAC Second Team goalkeeper Fernando Alves Schmelz. The Gaels welcome 17 newcomers to the team in 2025. The incoming class consists of 12 transfers with collegiate experience and five first-year student-athletes.
 
The 2025 campaign for the Maroon & Gold begins on Thursday, August 21 with a 7:00 p.m. contest at Rhode Island. The Gaels open the eight-game home slate at Mazzella Field on Tuesday, September 2 for a 1:00 p.m. matchup against Monmouth.