After dropping their first two games of the season, the Sacred Heart Men’s Soccer team have earned a win and a draw in their last two games. The Pioneers are 1-2-1 through the first four games of the season, with two more non-conference games on the schedule until MAAC play begins.
Coming off of their first winning season since 2012, the Pioneers were ranked sixth, out of 13 teams, in the 2025 MAAC Preseason Poll. Senior midfielder David Garcia Gallego and senior forward Sam McCann each earned spots on the Preseason All-MAAC Team.
Garcia Gallego was also named Co-MAAC Preseason Player of the Year, sharing the honor with Theo Da Silva of Rider University.
“Everyone knows the preseason in college soccer is very short, so it’s crucial to come in fit and prepared. I focused on that, and now I just want to keep contributing with more goals and assists to help the team succeed,” said Garcia Gallego.
Source: Graduate Student Andy Trevino
Garcia Gallego led the Pioneers in goals scored last season, tallying five.
“David’s impact for us is huge offensively. He’s a very direct winger, with great
qualities in 1v1 situations and has been decisive, contributing with both goals and assists so far this season,” said Head Coach Anthony Anzevui.
Garcia Gallego has tallied a point on three of the Pioneers four goals so this season.
“I’m really happy with how the season has started, both for the team and personally.
These early results are the reward for the hard work I’ve been putting in over the past three years, especially this past summer,” said Garcia Gallego.
Garcia Gallego captains the Pioneers this season alongside senior midfield/forward Javier Lopez Cayuela.
“David is a great leader and example to follow for the rest of the group.” said senior goalkeeper Luca Marinelli.
“I think he is doing a great job with the help of Javier Lopez on taking care of the small details with this group and keep us moving in the right direction.” said Marinelli.
Despite an 0-2 start to the season, the Pioneers turned things around with a 3-1 victory over Yale in their home opener on Friday, Aug. 19, 2025.
“It was great to start with a win in our home opener. We were pleased with the performance, playing our way, dominating the ball and it was encouraging to see us be decisive on set pieces – we will continue to improve in all aspects, as the team continues to mold together,” said Anzevui.
The 1-2-1 start for the Pioneers contrasts their hot start last year, winning five of their first six matches, with a streak of four consecutive shutouts. Despite this slower start, the Pioneers have seen growth in chemistry and results in the past two matches.
“I think it starts with teamwork, when the team begins to flow, winning begins to flow. As we get more and more on the same page, with everyone knowing what we are going to do during the game at the right moments, the chemistry will continue to grow throughout the season, which is the most important thing for me,” said Marinelli.
The next match for the Pioneers will be a contest in South Orange, NJ against Seton Hall University on Thursday, Sept. 11.
“We have a winning mentality, and we think that every time we step on the field we should win, and that’s the confidence and expectations we have of ourselves,” said Marinelli.
