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5 Ways West Point Men's Soccer Is Building A Championship Legacy In 2025

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The United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, an institution defined by its commitment to "Duty, Honor, Country," is currently witnessing a historic resurgence in its men's soccer program. As of December 19, 2025, the Army Black Knights Men's Soccer team has solidified its position as a major contender in the Patriot League, transcending the dual challenge of elite NCAA Division I athletics and rigorous military training to achieve remarkable results.

This deep dive explores the five core pillars—from the tactical mastermind on the sidelines to the standout players on the pitch and the enduring military ethos—that are driving the program's success and positioning Army soccer for a championship legacy in the 2025 season and beyond. The blend of athletic excellence and future military service makes the West Point soccer journey one of the most compelling stories in college sports.

Head Coach Brian Plotkin: The Architect of Army Soccer's Resurgence

The foundation of the Army Black Knights' recent success is Head Coach Brian Plotkin. Appointed as the 12th head coach in program history in May 2021, Plotkin brought a wealth of professional experience and a clear vision to the West Point sidelines.

Brian Plotkin's Biography and Profile

  • Full Name: Brian Plotkin
  • Date of Birth: August 3, 1984
  • Hometown: Lisle, Illinois
  • Alma Mater: Indiana University
  • Professional Career: Retired professional soccer player.
  • Coaching Tenure at Army: Began in May 2021, currently in his fifth season.
  • Key Staff: Supported by Associate Head Coach Jonathan Delano and Assistant Coach Chris Koch.

Plotkin's philosophy emphasizes a high-intensity, disciplined style of play, perfectly mirroring the demanding environment of the US Military Academy. His tenure has been marked by a significant upswing in competitiveness, culminating in the team securing a top-three finish in the Patriot League during the 2025 season.

The coach's background as a professional player allows him to connect with the cadets on a technical level, while his commitment to the West Point values ensures the program develops not just talented athletes, but future Army leaders committed to selfless service.

The 2025 Season: Key Players and Patriot League Dominance

The 2025 campaign for West Point Men's Soccer, the Army Black Knights, was characterized by a potent offense and a disciplined defensive structure that saw the team clinch a berth in the Patriot League Championship tournament.

The Black Knights concluded their impressive regular season with a 7-6-5 overall record, finishing third in the highly competitive Patriot League standings. This strong performance was highlighted by a massive early-season victory over Big Ten foe Penn State, a result that signaled Army's arrival as a true contender.

The 2025 All-Conference Standouts

A core group of players provided the statistical firepower and leadership necessary for the Black Knights' success, earning multiple post-season accolades. Four Black Knights were named to the All-Conference team, a testament to the program's depth. The following entities were central to the 2025 team:

  • Jack De Simone (Forward): Named an All-Conference Player, De Simone was an offensive catalyst. He led the team with 11 points and was tied for the team lead in goals with 5, showcasing his ability to finish in crucial moments.
  • Jubril Bamgbala (Midfielder): A consistent presence, Bamgbala started all 17 games he played and was tied with De Simone for the team lead with 5 goals, contributing 10 total points. His minutes on the field demonstrated his indispensable role in the midfield.
  • Eric Lusskin (Midfielder): Lusskin earned recognition not just for his play, but for his commitment to the Academy's academic rigor, being named to the Patriot League Academic All-League Team. He contributed 1 goal and 1 assist in 12 games.
  • Jack Kryger: A key attacking threat, Kryger finished the season with 3 goals and 6 points, often coming off the bench to provide a spark.
  • Nicholas Berardi: Proved to be a valuable playmaker, recording assists on goals scored by both De Simone and Bamgbala throughout the season.

Other vital contributors on the 2025 roster included Collin Gilbert, Blair Camargo, Michael Guiry, Owen Ennis, Kelly Cooper, and Colin McCarthy, all of whom played significant roles in the team's Patriot League push.

Beyond the Pitch: The West Point Commitment and the Army-Navy Rivalry

What truly sets the West Point Men's Soccer program apart is the unique commitment each player makes, transcending the typical college athlete experience. Every cadet-athlete is preparing for a career as an officer in the United States Army, embodying the values of Duty, Honor, Country.

The intense physical and mental demands of the Academy—combined with the rigorous Division I schedule—develops a level of discipline and character that is unparalleled in college sports. The program, which is one of the oldest college soccer programs in the country, views its mission as developing leaders of character, with athletics serving as a critical component of that training.

The Enduring Power of the Army-Navy Cup

The pinnacle of the annual schedule is the Army-Navy Cup, a men's college soccer match against the arch-rival Navy Midshipmen. This fixture is part of the larger, historic Army-Navy rivalry, often cited as the greatest rivalry in all of sports.

While the Navy leads the all-time series, the Black Knights have proven they can dominate the service academies when it matters most. During the 2023-24 season, the program achieved a historic feat, beating both Air Force and Navy in the same season for only the third time in program history, a major milestone for the team.

Playing in the Patriot League means that Army consistently faces high-caliber opponents. In 2025, the team had to contend with top teams like Boston University, which was tabbed as the preseason favorite, making Army's third-place finish and tournament qualification a significant achievement.

A Culture of Excellence at Clinton Field

The Black Knights play their home matches at Malek Stadium at Clinton Field in West Point, New York. The atmosphere at Clinton Field is electric, fueled by the Corps of Cadets, creating a formidable home-field advantage. The team's continued upward trajectory under Coach Plotkin, focused on developing leaders like Academic All-League selection Eric Lusskin, ensures that the program's legacy is secure—a legacy built on a foundation of athletic prowess and unwavering military commitment.

With a successful 2025 season now concluded, the focus shifts to the future, as the Army Black Knights Men's Soccer team seeks to leverage its recent success and the unique values of West Point to capture the Patriot League Championship and continue its tradition of excellence.

5 Ways West Point Men's Soccer is Building a Championship Legacy in 2025
west point men's soccer
west point men's soccer

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