The 51ÁÔÆæ men’s soccer team starts the 2024 season with 40 players on its roster under second-year head coach Gannon Harsma.

The Trojans started practice on Aug. 1 and will host Minnesota West CC in an exhibition match on Aug. 15. The Trojans open the regular season at home against Iowa Central on Aug. 22 in a non-conference match.

Harsma says the 40-player roster is a good thing for the program.

“Last season, we had 17 so to have 40 this year improves a lot of things and improves the mentality and makes things a little more competitive,” Harsma said.

The 40-player roster includes players from the United States, Brazil, Chile, England, France, Italy, Jamaica, Mexico, Peru, Scotland and Venezuela.

“We have some guys with quite a bit of energy, quite a bit of positivity and it’s really been infectious,” Harsma said. “Right now, we just want to improve the communication.”

Harsma gave his squad a high grade for the first few practices.

“This group has adapted really well,” he said. “It’s been a really good showing in these first few practices.

“I think we’re at a B. I’m really impressed and happy with where we are at.”

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