Men's Soccer 2026 Season Preview

The Hope College men's soccer team enters the 2026 season eyeing a title three-peat.

The Flying Dutch claimed the MIAA regular-season championship last season, finishing with an 11-6-2 overall record. In 2024, the Orange and Blue earned a share of the regular-season title.

With a veteran core back in the fold, Hope enters the 2026 season with experience, depth and plenty of returning production. Head coach David Blahnik is excited for this year's campaign that includes high expectations and the challenge of a very different schedule.

"We return six of our eight All-MIAA players from last year and 90% of our goals scored. We have had a phenomenal preseason camp, and it is clear to me that we have the potential to have one of the best seasons in Hope Soccer history in regards to wins and losses," Blahnik said. "I know that this group of young men will represent Hope and our alumni well not only on the field but more importantly in the classroom and our community. This group shows up every day wanting to compete at an elite level and without taking any shortcuts. It is a true honor to coach them every day."

ROSTER

The Flying Dutch's roster features 30 players, including 11 seniors, six juniors, five sophomores, and eight freshmen.

Six All-MIAA honorees return for Hope, including five first-team selections: sophomore Jack Lowman (Novi, Michigan / Northville), junior Jackson Mindling (Grand Rapids, Michigan / Grand Rapids Christian), junior Benjamin Smitley (Wyoming, Michigan / Grand Rapids Catholic Central), senior Seth Walters (St. Joseph, Michigan / St. Joseph), senior Josh Weigel (Naperville, Illinois / Naperville Central).

Senior Evan Morrison (Canton, Michigan / Canton) also returns after earning All-MIAA Second Team honors.

Hope brings back 10 total goal scorers from last season, led by Mindling's 13 goals and Walters' nine. Weigel added four goals.

"Although we had a great season last year by winning the MIAA regular-season title and are returning a large number of players, we know that we have to work twice as hard this year. Our players show up excited each day to work towards the goals we have set for ourselves," Blahnik said.

COACHING STAFF

Head coach: David Blahnik, 5th season
Assistant coaches: Connor Fowler, Cole Pauly, Brendan Finnerty
Goalkeeping coach: Chris Taborn

SCHEDULE

The Flying Dutch open the 2026 season at home on Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 4 p.m. against Adrian College at Van Andel Soccer Stadium. The game will not count toward the MIAA standings.

Hope will travel to Virginia from Friday-Saturday, Sept. 18-19 for a pair of non-conference matches against Roanoke College and the University of Lynchburg.

MIAA action begins on Wednesday, Oct. 7, when the Orange and Blue travel to Albion College.

The Rivalry returns to Van Andel Soccer Stadium on Friday, Oct. 16, at 6 p.m. as part of One Big Weekend. Hope will host Calvin University in another chapter of one of the MIAA's premier rivalries.

Senior Day and Poster Day are scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 24, at 3 p.m. against Kalamazoo College at Van Andel Soccer Stadium.

"We have the hardest schedule we have had since 2022 in regards to not only the level of competition but also travel schedule," Blahnik said. "We have scheduled in a way to ensure we compete with some of the best programs in the country but also in a way that can prepare the team for a potential November run in the NCAAs."

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Players Mentioned

#5 Jack Lowman: D; 6' 1"; Sophomore

#9 Jackson Mindling: F; 6' 3"; Junior

#8 Evan Morrison: D; 6' 1"; Senior; Business

#16 Benjamin Smitley: M; 6' 0"; Junior

#4 Seth Walters: F; 6' 0"; Senior; Electrical Engineering

#13 Josh Weigel: M; 5' 10"; Senior; Business

Players Mentioned

#5 Jack Lowman
: 6' 1"; Sophomore
: D

#9 Jackson Mindling
: 6' 3"; Junior
: F

#8 Evan Morrison
: 6' 1"; Senior; Business
: D

#16 Benjamin Smitley
: 6' 0"; Junior
: M

#4 Seth Walters
: 6' 0"; Senior; Electrical Engineering
: F

#13 Josh Weigel
: 5' 10"; Senior; Business
: M