NEW YORK — The Columbia men's soccer program announced its 2021 schedule on Thursday. The Lions have a 16-game slate that features nine home dates at Rocco B. Commisso Soccer Stadium. The season begins at home against George Washington, Sept. 3 at 1 p.m. ET.
"I want to first thank everyone who has supported our players, program and staff during these unprecedented times," said head coach Kevin Anderson, who is in his 13th season leading the Lions. "When we step back out onto RBC Soccer Stadium, we do so knowing the responsibility we have in honoring and celebrating all of you and the rich history and traditions of this program. Our deepest thanks and appreciation goes out to all of you. Thank you!
"Our players, staff, administrators and support team have been hard at work since March of 2020 doing everything that was in our control to grow with the foresight that we would return to 'The Lions Den' again one day soon. We truly have grown in so many amazing ways over the last 18 months – now it's time to build upon that and ensure it translates to the field."
The Lions will remain fairly local during their non-conference slate. Following the season opener, Columbia travels out to Long Island to take on Stony Brook (Sept. 6). A home contest against Manhattan College (Sept. 10) preludes back-to-back road games at St. John's (Sept. 13) and LIU (Sept. 18).
A three-game homestand leads the Lions into Ivy League play. The first two pit Columbia against Drexel (Sept. 21) and Iona (Sept. 25), before hosting Brown for the Ivy League opener on Saturday, Oct. 2, at 7 p.m. Once league play starts, the Lions only step out of conference twice, visiting Hofstra (Oct. 5) and hosting La Salle (Oct. 26).
The remaining Ivy League schedule includes home games against Penn (Oct. 9), Yale (Oct. 30) and Harvard (Nov. 6). The Lions will celebrate Senior Day in their final home contest of the year against the Crimson. Columbia's three Ivy games on the road include back-to-back Saturdays at Princeton (Oct. 16) and Dartmouth (Oct. 23). The regular season concludes on the road at Cornell (Nov. 13).
The Lions will announce their promotional schedule, including Homecoming and other planned events, at a later date.
A complete list of dates and times for the 2021 Columbia men's soccer schedule can be found here, or by visiting GoColumbiaLions.com. All dates and times are subject to change.
Attendance policies at home Columbia Athletics' events have yet to be determined and will be announced at a later date.
Each home game and all Ivy League contests will be broadcast live on ESPN+. Subscriptions start as low as $5.99 per month, or save over 15% with an ESPN+ Annual Plan at $59.99 per year. You can also bundle ESPN+ with Disney+ and Hulu for $13.99 per month.
For the latest on Columbia men's soccer, be sure to follow the team on Twitter and Instagram (@CULionsMSOC), on Facebook (ColumbiaMensSoccer), or by visiting GoColumbiaLions.com.
