MOUNT VERNON – Cornell men's soccer coach Nate Grosse expects the Midwest Conference to be as strong as it's been in years, bolstered by the addition of No. 25 nationally-ranked Luther this fall.
 
Grosse also believes his Rams can be in the mix for a spot in the expanded six-team MWC Tournament by season's end.
 
The Rams, picked seventh in the MWC Preseason Coaches' Poll, return eight starters from last year's squad that finished 7-9-1 overall and tied for fourth place in the MWC regular season at 4-3-1.
 
"We have several returning starters and other guys who have played major minutes," said Grosse, who has compiled 81 victories through 12 seasons on the Hilltop. "I think we will be a competitive team in the conference. Making the conference tournament is a goal. We know the league is going to be tough."
 
Senior Sam Burmeister heads Cornell's veteran group, earning second team all-MWC honors last year as a defender. He joins fellow three-year starter Erwann Hiernaux as 2026 team captains.
 
They helped Cornell record four shutout wins last season. The defense allowed only seven goals in eight MWC matches.
 
Cornell's battle-tested senior class includes Fox Wight, Mason Parsley, Aidan Butler, Carter Lampe and Tadhg Thompson. Wight is the team's top returning scorer with four goals in 2025. Parsley was named the team's most valuable player last year.  
 
"Six of our seven seniors have been in the program for four years. They have that presence, energy and desire to keep working," Grosse said. "With a smaller roster, we have the opportunity as a team to build better cohesiveness and make the season feel different."
 
Junior Nathaniel Sinitambirivoutin Kiffer and sophomores Kyriacos Photiou, Javier Andrade-Martinez and Holden Arthaud-Day return starting experience. Junior Madiou Diallo and sophomores Gordey Gambrall and Rafiel Alcarez are among other key contributors from a season ago.   
 
The Rams must replace their top two scorers in first team all-MWC pick Justice Toledo and Jake Elmore, along with starting goalkeeper Jack Massey.  
 
"Our training has been really good so far. The guys have shown that they put in the work over the summer," Grosse said. "The energy level and work rate has been great. We're feeling optimistic."
 
Cornell will hold a home scrimmage with Clarke at 5:30 p.m. Thursday. The season opener is Sept. 1 at Wartburg.
 
The Rams open the home portion of their schedule Sept. 3 against Simpson. The MWC opener is Sept. 19 at home against Lake Forest.