Tuesday, October 6
New York, N.Y.
6:30 p.m.
Columbia
vs
Brown
Photo by: Columbia University Athletics / Stockton Photo, Inc.
Men's Soccer Seeks Redemption Tuesday Night Against Brown
10/5/2026 4:27:00 PM | Men's Soccer
Both teams look for three points following opening-weekend Ivy setbacks
NEW YORK — The Columbia men's soccer team (3-2-2, 0-1-0 Ivy) gets ready to host Brown (4-3-1, 0-1-0) Tuesday night in Ivy League action at Rocco B. Commisso Soccer Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 6:30 p.m.
The match, originally scheduled for Saturday, September 26, was postponed after a nor'easter affected the region that weekend.
GAME COVERAGE:
Fans can watch Tuesday's game live on ESPN+. Fans can also track live stats courtesy of GoColumbiaLions.com. In-game updates will also be provided on the @CULionsMSOC social media accounts.
THE IVY OPENER
The Lions opened their Ivy League season at Harvard and fell to the Crimson, 1-0. The Lions put together a strong push for an equalizer after Dylan Tellado broke the ice in the 38th minute. They outshot Harvard, 10-8, including 6-3 in the second half with quality looks and set-piece opportunities. In the end, the Crimson held on to snap Columbia's five-match unbeaten streak and hand the Lions their first road loss of the season.
397 MINUTES OF SHUTOUT SOCCER
Since debuting on September 9, sophomore goalkeeper Aris Taki posted a streak of 397 consecutive minutes without allowing a goal before surrendering the first of his career at Harvard last Saturday, October 3. The shutout streak was the longest by a Columbia keeper since Dylan Castanheira '19CC posted five consecutive shutouts in the 2017 season.
Taki's and the Columbia back line's string of shutouts helped the Lions put together a five-match unbeaten streak (Sept. 5-22). It was the longest such streak since the Lions won five straight matches in 2018. The run included a three-game winning streak, all on the road, over Fordham (1-0), Manhattan (2-0), and Temple (1-0). It was the first time Columbia won three straight matches that all came on the road since 2016.
TAKI LOCKING IT DOWN
Sophomore goalkeeper Aris Taki was named the Ivy League Defensive Player of the Week for matches played the week of Sept. 14-20. The week included just one match, a 1-0 shutout victory over Temple. In doing so, Taki became the first Lion to earn the league's weekly defensive honors since defender Jackson ten Oever in October of 2024. Following the selection, Taki had a pair of saves to help preserve a fourth consecutive shutout performance in a 0-0 home draw against Lehigh.
Through the first seven matches of the season, Columbia ranks No. 7 nationally in shutout percentage (57.1%). Taki ranks No. 2 in the NCAA in both goals-against average (0.200) and save percentage (93.3%). His four shutouts tie for the 20th in the nation.
JACK ON THE ATTACK
Senior midfielder Jack McDaid has a team-leading four goals and 10 total points this season. Entering Tuesday's game, he ranks top 50 in the NCAA in goals per game (0.57), points per game (1.43) and No. 28 in game-winning goals (2).
McDaid scored the game-winning goal in the 88th minute to lift the Lions over Temple, 1-0, on Sept. 15. He has scored in three of Columbia's seven matches, including a five-point performance back on September 5 in a 3-3 draw against Fairfield. McDaid's five points in a single match are the most by a Lion since John Denis had five in a 6-1 Columbia victory over Harvard on Nov. 10, 2019.
COLUMBIA IN THE NCAA TEAM RANKINGS (TOP 50)
- No. 1 in the NCAA in fouls committed per game (6.43).
- No. 7 in the shutout percentage (57.1%)
- No. 46 in shots per game (14.29)
SCOUTING THE OPPONENT
Brown leads the all-time series against Columbia 39-18-7 in a rivalry that dates back to 1960. The Bears have won three straight meetings in the series, with Columbia's last victory coming at home in a 3-2 decision on October 5, 2019.
Offensively, the Bears are powered by James Snaith, Lorenzo Amaral and Mathias Hille, who have combined for seven of the team's 10 goals this season. Snaith has a team-high three, most recently scoring in a 1-1 draw against NJIT on Sept. 19. Amaral ranks No. 4 in the NCAA in shots per game (4.50).
In goal, Brown splits time between junior goalkeepers Graham Kois and Max Pfaffman. Entering Ivy play, they had each played exactly 315 minutes this season and have identical 0.86 goals-against averages. Pfaffman got the start last Saturday in a 2-1 loss to Cornell, giving up the two goals and making two saves.
Brown averages 1.25 goals per game on the season and carries a team goals-against average of 1.00, which ranks No. 36 in the NCAA.
2026 SEASON PREVIEW NOTES
THE 2026 CAPTAINS
Columbia men's soccer announced that its team captains for the 2026 season are seniors Jackson ten Oever, Jack McDaid and Joe McDaid. Ten Oever is an All-Ivy League Honorable Mention and two-time CSC Academic All-District selection who has been a mainstay in the starting lineup throughout his career. Joe McDaid and Jack McDaid are in their third year at Columbia after playing together at Maryland as freshmen. Jack earned Second Team All-Ivy League distinction last year, registering three goals and two assists out of his midfield position. The trio brings veteran leadership, defensive toughness, and proven capability in key moments heading into their senior seasons with the Lions.
THE NEWCOMERS
Head coach Michael Casper and his staff welcomed a talented class of newcomers to the 2026 roster. The balanced incoming class includes two goalkeepers, two defenders, two midfielders and two forwards.
Speaking on the incoming class, Casper stated, "We want players that fit the model of what we want Columbia men's soccer to look like – hard-working and technical with the ability to become difference makers."
The new group of Lions includes impactful fresh faces across the pitch, including additions to the defense, midfield, and forward lines, who will push for immediate playing time and elevate the competitive environment.
YEAR FOUR UNDER CASPER
In what is now his fourth season leading the Lions, head coach Michael Casper will look to turn the corner and bring the program back to prominence. With an experienced returning foundation and an energetic incoming class, Columbia looks to start the 2026 campaign strong. In his season preview, Casper talked about the team's competitiveness against the teams that qualified for the 2025 Ivy League Tournament. Columbia earned a convincing 3-1 win over Harvard, a 2-2 draw against Penn, and played highly competitive matches against nationally-ranked Cornell and Princeton.
"To think that you can get a win and a tie off of the top four and be in the games that the other two, you're not far away," he stated. "We need to be better with our finishing this fall, but when I think about the way that we played, there was a lot of improvement.
"I think this group of guys is going to have their hands full in replacing some of that leadership and … ability that
last year's class brought to the field. But I'm excited about the opportunity that they have."
Fans can catch the full interview with Coach Casper ahead of the start of the season on GoColumbiaLions.TV.
ABOUT COLUMBIA MEN'S SOCCER
The 2026 season marks the 79th varsity season of men's soccer at Columbia University. The program was established in 1906 but discontinued as a varsity sport from 1916-57. The program regained its varsity status in 1957 and played 63 straight seasons until the 2020 campaign was canceled due to COVID.
Columbia men's soccer came to prominence in the late '70s, advancing to their first NCAA Tournament in 1978 before going all the way to the Final Four in 1979. After multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and Ivy League championships through the early '80s, the Lions made a run to the NCAA Tournament Championship Game in 1983. Columbia defeated UConn, 4-0, in the Final Four to take on Indiana for the National Championship. The Hoosiers outlasted Columbia, 1-0, in overtime.
Columbia owns 10 Ivy League championships and 13 NCAA Tournament appearances all-time.
TRIBUTE TO COMMISSO
Columbia will honor the memory of Rocco B. Commisso '71SEAS '75BUS throughout the 2026 season with a commemorative patch featuring his initials, "RBC," on its kits. Commisso, who passed away on Jan. 16, 2026, at age 76, was a standout Columbia men's soccer player, longtime supporter of Columbia Athletics and accomplished business leader.
A three-year All-Ivy League honoree as both a defensive and offensive player, Commisso helped lead the Lions to winning records in each of his four seasons. As co-captain of the 1970 team, he helped guide Columbia to its first NCAA Tournament appearance.
Commisso went on to become a successful entrepreneur, founding Mediacom Communications in 1995 and building it into one of the nation's largest cable television providers. He remained closely connected to soccer throughout his life, including ownership roles with the New York Cosmos and Italian Serie A club ACF Fiorentina.
FOLLOW THE LIONS:
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.
The match, originally scheduled for Saturday, September 26, was postponed after a nor'easter affected the region that weekend.
GAME COVERAGE:
Fans can watch Tuesday's game live on ESPN+. Fans can also track live stats courtesy of GoColumbiaLions.com. In-game updates will also be provided on the @CULionsMSOC social media accounts.
THE IVY OPENER
The Lions opened their Ivy League season at Harvard and fell to the Crimson, 1-0. The Lions put together a strong push for an equalizer after Dylan Tellado broke the ice in the 38th minute. They outshot Harvard, 10-8, including 6-3 in the second half with quality looks and set-piece opportunities. In the end, the Crimson held on to snap Columbia's five-match unbeaten streak and hand the Lions their first road loss of the season.
397 MINUTES OF SHUTOUT SOCCER
Since debuting on September 9, sophomore goalkeeper Aris Taki posted a streak of 397 consecutive minutes without allowing a goal before surrendering the first of his career at Harvard last Saturday, October 3. The shutout streak was the longest by a Columbia keeper since Dylan Castanheira '19CC posted five consecutive shutouts in the 2017 season.
Taki's and the Columbia back line's string of shutouts helped the Lions put together a five-match unbeaten streak (Sept. 5-22). It was the longest such streak since the Lions won five straight matches in 2018. The run included a three-game winning streak, all on the road, over Fordham (1-0), Manhattan (2-0), and Temple (1-0). It was the first time Columbia won three straight matches that all came on the road since 2016.
TAKI LOCKING IT DOWN
Sophomore goalkeeper Aris Taki was named the Ivy League Defensive Player of the Week for matches played the week of Sept. 14-20. The week included just one match, a 1-0 shutout victory over Temple. In doing so, Taki became the first Lion to earn the league's weekly defensive honors since defender Jackson ten Oever in October of 2024. Following the selection, Taki had a pair of saves to help preserve a fourth consecutive shutout performance in a 0-0 home draw against Lehigh.
Through the first seven matches of the season, Columbia ranks No. 7 nationally in shutout percentage (57.1%). Taki ranks No. 2 in the NCAA in both goals-against average (0.200) and save percentage (93.3%). His four shutouts tie for the 20th in the nation.
JACK ON THE ATTACK
Senior midfielder Jack McDaid has a team-leading four goals and 10 total points this season. Entering Tuesday's game, he ranks top 50 in the NCAA in goals per game (0.57), points per game (1.43) and No. 28 in game-winning goals (2).
McDaid scored the game-winning goal in the 88th minute to lift the Lions over Temple, 1-0, on Sept. 15. He has scored in three of Columbia's seven matches, including a five-point performance back on September 5 in a 3-3 draw against Fairfield. McDaid's five points in a single match are the most by a Lion since John Denis had five in a 6-1 Columbia victory over Harvard on Nov. 10, 2019.
COLUMBIA IN THE NCAA TEAM RANKINGS (TOP 50)
- No. 1 in the NCAA in fouls committed per game (6.43).
- No. 7 in the shutout percentage (57.1%)
- No. 46 in shots per game (14.29)
SCOUTING THE OPPONENT
Brown leads the all-time series against Columbia 39-18-7 in a rivalry that dates back to 1960. The Bears have won three straight meetings in the series, with Columbia's last victory coming at home in a 3-2 decision on October 5, 2019.
Offensively, the Bears are powered by James Snaith, Lorenzo Amaral and Mathias Hille, who have combined for seven of the team's 10 goals this season. Snaith has a team-high three, most recently scoring in a 1-1 draw against NJIT on Sept. 19. Amaral ranks No. 4 in the NCAA in shots per game (4.50).
In goal, Brown splits time between junior goalkeepers Graham Kois and Max Pfaffman. Entering Ivy play, they had each played exactly 315 minutes this season and have identical 0.86 goals-against averages. Pfaffman got the start last Saturday in a 2-1 loss to Cornell, giving up the two goals and making two saves.
Brown averages 1.25 goals per game on the season and carries a team goals-against average of 1.00, which ranks No. 36 in the NCAA.
2026 SEASON PREVIEW NOTES
THE 2026 CAPTAINS
Columbia men's soccer announced that its team captains for the 2026 season are seniors Jackson ten Oever, Jack McDaid and Joe McDaid. Ten Oever is an All-Ivy League Honorable Mention and two-time CSC Academic All-District selection who has been a mainstay in the starting lineup throughout his career. Joe McDaid and Jack McDaid are in their third year at Columbia after playing together at Maryland as freshmen. Jack earned Second Team All-Ivy League distinction last year, registering three goals and two assists out of his midfield position. The trio brings veteran leadership, defensive toughness, and proven capability in key moments heading into their senior seasons with the Lions.
THE NEWCOMERS
Head coach Michael Casper and his staff welcomed a talented class of newcomers to the 2026 roster. The balanced incoming class includes two goalkeepers, two defenders, two midfielders and two forwards.
Speaking on the incoming class, Casper stated, "We want players that fit the model of what we want Columbia men's soccer to look like – hard-working and technical with the ability to become difference makers."
The new group of Lions includes impactful fresh faces across the pitch, including additions to the defense, midfield, and forward lines, who will push for immediate playing time and elevate the competitive environment.
YEAR FOUR UNDER CASPER
In what is now his fourth season leading the Lions, head coach Michael Casper will look to turn the corner and bring the program back to prominence. With an experienced returning foundation and an energetic incoming class, Columbia looks to start the 2026 campaign strong. In his season preview, Casper talked about the team's competitiveness against the teams that qualified for the 2025 Ivy League Tournament. Columbia earned a convincing 3-1 win over Harvard, a 2-2 draw against Penn, and played highly competitive matches against nationally-ranked Cornell and Princeton.
"To think that you can get a win and a tie off of the top four and be in the games that the other two, you're not far away," he stated. "We need to be better with our finishing this fall, but when I think about the way that we played, there was a lot of improvement.
"I think this group of guys is going to have their hands full in replacing some of that leadership and … ability that
last year's class brought to the field. But I'm excited about the opportunity that they have."
Fans can catch the full interview with Coach Casper ahead of the start of the season on GoColumbiaLions.TV.
ABOUT COLUMBIA MEN'S SOCCER
The 2026 season marks the 79th varsity season of men's soccer at Columbia University. The program was established in 1906 but discontinued as a varsity sport from 1916-57. The program regained its varsity status in 1957 and played 63 straight seasons until the 2020 campaign was canceled due to COVID.
Columbia men's soccer came to prominence in the late '70s, advancing to their first NCAA Tournament in 1978 before going all the way to the Final Four in 1979. After multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and Ivy League championships through the early '80s, the Lions made a run to the NCAA Tournament Championship Game in 1983. Columbia defeated UConn, 4-0, in the Final Four to take on Indiana for the National Championship. The Hoosiers outlasted Columbia, 1-0, in overtime.
Columbia owns 10 Ivy League championships and 13 NCAA Tournament appearances all-time.
TRIBUTE TO COMMISSO
Columbia will honor the memory of Rocco B. Commisso '71SEAS '75BUS throughout the 2026 season with a commemorative patch featuring his initials, "RBC," on its kits. Commisso, who passed away on Jan. 16, 2026, at age 76, was a standout Columbia men's soccer player, longtime supporter of Columbia Athletics and accomplished business leader.
A three-year All-Ivy League honoree as both a defensive and offensive player, Commisso helped lead the Lions to winning records in each of his four seasons. As co-captain of the 1970 team, he helped guide Columbia to its first NCAA Tournament appearance.
Commisso went on to become a successful entrepreneur, founding Mediacom Communications in 1995 and building it into one of the nation's largest cable television providers. He remained closely connected to soccer throughout his life, including ownership roles with the New York Cosmos and Italian Serie A club ACF Fiorentina.
FOLLOW THE LIONS:
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.
Players Mentioned
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/ Men's SoccerTuesday, September 22
Tuesday, September 15
Saturday, September 12
Wednesday, September 09
