For Immediate Release:
27 August 2025

Winthrop, MA – The Dean College men's soccer team has been selected to finish in 9th place in the 2025 Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Preseason Poll, as voted by the conference's head coaches.

The Bulldogs are riding a full head of confidence into the 2025 season. After the previous campaign did not go as hoped, the team took to the drawing board to prepare for this year. Head Coach Warren Backman returns for his second season as Head Coach. He is joined by a staff of five assistant coaches. This includes is father, Derek Backman, who was a legendary player for the MLS's Tampa Bay Rowdies.

The 2025 roster took a complete spin from the previous season. Dean adds a hungry group of first-year athletes from across the globe. Meanwhile, the roster also sees several key returners looking to make an impact. Senior Chris Tunley (Las Vegas, NV) will start once again as a forward, while Jake Godwin (Norwalk, CT) comes back to lead the efforts in goal.

Dean opens the 2025 calendar at home, hosting Suffolk University on August 29^th. They also host UMass Dartmouth to round out opening weekend on Sunday, August 31^st. The Bulldogs will also make the trip to Division I Boston College on September 10^th, marking the first time the team has played a Division I opponent since joining the GNAC.

In 2025, the Bulldogs will participate in a total of 12 GNAC contests. They open their conference schedule on the road, traveling to Norwich University on September 6^th. Other key conference dates include October 3^rd versus Lasell University (Homecoming Weekend) and October 29^th versus Mitchell College (Senior Day).

Should Dean earn a postseason birth, the GNAC Quarterfinals are set to begin on Saturday, November 1^st. The semifinals will be played on November 4^th, with the winners of both matches square-dancing in the GNAC title game, set for November 8^th.

FULL GNAC Men's Soccer Preseason Poll Voting Results

1. University of Saint Joseph (Conn.) (8)- 163
2. Emmanuel (3) - 144
3. Saint Joseph's (Maine) (1) - 141
4. Albertus Magnus - 140
5. Rivier - 111
6. Norwich - 107
7. Regis- 89
8. New England College - 78
9. Dean - 53
10. Lasell - 52
11. Colby-Sawyer - 50
12. Elms - 34
13. Mitchell - 21

To learn more about the Dean College men's soccer program, visit any of the respective links above.

For Media Inquiries:
Brett Chaves
Sports Information Director, Dean College Athletics
(508) 541-1826
BChaves@dean.edu