After 480 days without a competitive game, the Stevenson men’s soccer team returned to action on March 17 when the Mustangs travelled to Arlington, Virginia, to take on the Marymount University Saints. A two-goal performance from first-year member Edson DeMata propelled Stevenson to a 2-0 win, the team’s first victory since November 17, 2019.

The Stevenson men’s soccer program usually competes in the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC), but this season the MAC ruled that participating programs would only be permitted to play four exhibition matches. Graeme Millar, head coach of men’s soccer program, felt that four exhibition matches would not be sufficient preparation for a competitive fall season nor enough games for the graduating seniors, so he decided to opt out of MAC competition with the support of Athletic Director Brett Adams. Millar stated that Adams was “in favor of us playing 40 percent of what we would normally play, which is 6-8 games.”

Millar also stated that prior to the MAC ruling, the Athletic Director met with other schools in Maryland to discuss possible scheduling of games in the event that Stevenson opted out of the MAC, which led to the eight-game schedule that now serves as preparation for when full MAC competition resumes in the fall.

Millar is satisfied with how the team has responded to this non-traditional season format and described them as “hungry to play games.” He also emphasized the fact that an extended schedule against strong competition could offer the program a competitive edge over other MAC competitors who are only playing four games this season.

The Mustangs tied 1-1 with Washington College this past Sunday to finish the shortened season with a record of 3-2-2. The Mustangs now enter the offseason hungry to return to full competition in August, as the fall schedule is set to be released in the coming weeks. For the full Stevenson Men’s soccer spring 2021 schedule and results, click here.