CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The Luther men's soccer team was voted to finish second in the 2025 American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) Coaches' Preseason poll announced on Wednesday. Luther received 59 points which was narrowly behind Wartburg at 61 points.
The Norse finished the 2024 season as the A-R-C Regular Season Champions with a 8-4-6 overall record and 6-1-1 in conference play. Returning for the 2025 season include conference rookie of the year
Nels Mortenson along with an experienced core group. Head coach Chris Garica-Prats enters his 18
th season as the head coach.
"We are excited about the upcoming 2025 season and our standards and expectations for our players in our program remain high," said Garcia-Prats. "The conference grows in competitiveness each year and I think we will see lots of twists and turns throughout this season!!"
Luther will kick off the season on the road on Friday, Aug. 29 against the University of Wisconsin-Superior at 3 p.m. in Superior, Wis. The Yellowjackets are ranked 12
th in the nation in the United Soccer Coaches Preseason poll.
The first home game will take place on Friday, Sept. 5 against Augsburg University at 7 p.m.
2025 Preseason Poll – points (first place votes)
1. Wartburg - 61 (5)
2. Luther - 59 (4)
3. Loras - 48
4. Nebraska Wesleyan - 46
5. Simpson - 31
T-6. Central - 28
T-6. Univ. of Dubuque - 28
8. Coe - 14
9. Buena Vista - 9
