Northwestern men’s soccer wrapped up the 2025 season with an 8-6-3 overall record (3-5-2 Big Ten), missing the Big Ten Tournament for the second consecutive year. This year, the expanded conference features only the top four teams in its tournament format, leaving the ‘Cats on the outside looking in despite showing flashes of their potential throughout the campaign.
Ups and Downs
Northwestern demonstrated its fighting spirit in several signature victories. The ‘Cats opened the season with a 3-2 comeback win over
UC Riverside, upset No. 17 Indiana 2-0 and closed with a 2-1 comeback victory over Ohio State. These performances showcased the team’s ability to respond to adversity and make quick in-game adjustments — hallmarks of head coach Russell Payne’s identity.
The Indiana victory particularly stood out. Despite holding just 40% possession and being dominated on pace in the first half, Northwestern struck twice in the second half through Alejandro Martinez Santamaria and Aaron O’Reilly to secure its first ranked win of the season.
But those highs were offset by frustrating lows, particularly in must-win situations. A disastrous homestand from Aug. 29 to Sept. 1 epitomized Northwestern’s struggles. The ‘Cats were held to a 1-1 draw by Loyola Chicago and suffered a 3-2 defeat to UIC — a back-to-back home battle they needed to win. That week exemplified a season-long issue: creating chances but failing to convert them.
Late-game collapses also haunted Northwestern throughout the year. Against Penn State, the ‘Cats surrendered a 2-1 lead in stoppage time to settle for a 2-2 draw, marking the second time they gave away a lead in the final minute. Against Michigan State, they dominated possession and created numerous chances but couldn’t find the breakthrough in a 0-0 stalemate.
The statistics tell a brutal story. Despite ranking fourth in the Big Ten with a 41.9% shot-on-goal percentage (up from 34.5% last season), Northwestern managed just 22 goals, placing it eighth in the conference and only one more than last year. Even Rutgers, which finished behind the ‘Cats in the conference standings, produced 28 goals with a 40.4% shot-on-goal rate. As one of five Big Ten teams with at least 100 corner kicks, Northwestern’s conversion rate was simply unacceptable.
Standout performers
Nine seniors depart after burning out their final collegiate seasons contributing to the cause. Captain Joe Suchecki led the midfield with four goals and five assists, creating chances while posing threats on goal. Martinez Santamaria, one of the most creative additions from the summer transfer class, tallied two goals and six assists as an outstanding winger who consistently generated opportunities from the left flank.
Goalkeeper Rafael Ponce de León logged more than 1,400 minutes, racked up five clean sheets and ranked fifth in the Big Ten with a 74.6% save percentage.
Nigel Prince anchored the backline and started every game since his freshman season before an injury in October ended the rest of his senior season. Jason Gajadhar, another member of Payne’s first recruiting class, was an unsung hero who started all 17 games. His dribbling skills and ability to move the ball forward earned Payne’s trust.
Looking ahead
The foundation for next season starts with the talent already in place. First-year forward Aaron O’Reilly provides the brightest hope for the future. The Naperville native shone in his debut season with a team-high five goals and two assists, displaying the finishing touch Northwestern desperately needs. Fellow freshman Andrew Johnson scored his first collegiate goal in the season finale and proved he can play both ways as a versatile winger who impacts the game on both ends.
Bryant Mayer showed promise in his junior campaign, contributing two assists and earning TopDrawerSoccer Player of the Week honors after the Indiana upset. He could emerge as a leader on the backline next season. Peter Riesz broke out with four goals and three assists after earning more minutes, making a statement in the season opener with a stunning goal and building on that momentum throughout the year.
If these players return and continue developing, they provide a solid core for Payne to build around. But with nine seniors departing, the coaching staff faces critical decisions during the offseason. The recruiting class will be pivotal — Northwestern needs reinforcements across the board, from the backline to midfield to the front line.
The question becomes whether to pursue instant impact from the transfer portal or invest in future cornerstones through high school recruiting. Given the ‘Cats’ struggles with chance conversion and late-game management, adding experienced players who can finish in crucial moments might be the priority.
“We are not satisfied,” Payne said after the season finale. “This is a playoff contender type of team, and we have to get there, and we are going to be supremely dedicated to that quest.”
The talent is there. The resilience has been proven. Now Northwestern must address its consistency issues and find players who can convert the chances into fruition. Only then will the ‘Cats break through and return to the postseason.
