Less than four years ago in Coach Jorge Chapoy’s first season, the Dickinson Men’s Soccer team finished the season with a bleak record of 2-11-2. That included zero wins in Centennial Conference play. However, despite the short time frame, the program has completely changed.
The Red Devils have turned into a force coming off back to back Centennial Conference Tournament births, but this season has been different. In those previous years they played to a record of 3-4-2 in conference. This year they have earned a 4-1-3 record this year and have won all nine non-conference games. Their incredible success has seen them rise to as high as a program record, fifth in the coaches poll and most importantly, claim the number one spot in their tough regional group.
Their final regular season game is not an easy test. They will travel to Johns Hopkins on Friday, November 1 to face the Blue Jays with a home playoff game on the line. From top to bottom, the Red Devils are an extremely talented team, but their offense is their best weapon. In conference play, Ethan Jarden ’26 currently leads the conference with eleven goals, Saul Iwowo ’26 has nine goals, with freshman Timi Omoniwa ’28 tallying six. Iwowo also currently leads the conference in game-winning goals with five, while Jarden and freshman Nicholas Dwamena ’28 each have three. Daniel Spataro ’28 has joined the attacking lineup for the Devils and improved throughout the year. He has contributed three goals and three assists to help bolster that very dangerous attack.
Jarden spoke about the freshmen’s impact earlier in the season after their 2-0 win over Shenandoah. “It’s wonderful; we needed the help on offense and defense. They have made an immediate impact.” The three first year attackers have 22 goal contributions combined this season. All of Dickinson’s forwards are clearly gifted, but it’s their work rate and toughness that doesn’t show in the box score that makes them exceptional. Dickinson’s attackers are tasked with pressuring the back line and goalie all game long, along with making clinical runs in the attacking third. Iwowo, playing a lone striker role, often has the toughest task.
Iwowo said, “Coach Chapoy set a hard fitness plan this summer It’s just grit. I want to win bad, I put my body on the line. We celebrate the individual things, slide tackles, winning corners, and winning throw ins. It is a lot of unselfish play.” That unselfish, team-first mentality is at the forefront of Coach Chapoy’s plan for his program. The mentality is clear not only with the attackers, but with the midfielders and defenders too.The backline has dealt with injuries throughout the year and we have seen a lot of players step up when called upon.
Alex Spiegel ’26 stepped in for an injured Mack Moore ’25 early in the season. Following their 2-0 win over Shenandoah on Septem- ber 4, Spiegel credited his outside backs. “Great wingbacks, selfless players helping back defensively and offensively,” he said. His centerback partner that game, Austin Holloway ’26, also spoke highly about his outside defenders. “Their work rate is great,” referring to Jackson Wolf ’26 and Johnny Diederich ’26. Other players have stepped up too, including Jeremy Sallade ’27 who has started as of late in the left back role. Even fifth-year Luke Beiles ’25, who usually mans the midfield, has transitioned to right back and has found success there.
Between the net, walk-on Aidan George ’27 has secured six shutouts this season while posting a 72% of shots saved. George did not allow more than one goal in a game for the first month of the season until Dickinson’s first and only loss 4-2 against Muhlenberg on September 28.
A key piece to the puzzle is center defensive midfielder Luke Finkielstein ’26. Finkielstein is a force in the midfield. His performances may not usually end up with numbers in the box score, but his ball-winning ability, whether it’s on punts or headers or tackles in the midfield is so key to the plan the Devils look to execute. Finkielstein is constantly tasked with settling down the game for Dickinson. His composure is so key for Dickinson. He acts as the field general of the Red Devils and can slow the game down for his teammates.
On his success this year he said, “I just feel really good this year, came in fit, put in the extra work. Tactically, I have been here a couple years now, the team is clicking, and everyone around me makes it easier for me.” The team has experimented with playing their talented freshman Dwamena all over pitch. He has now found his groove in the free roaming attacking midfield role and the offense has taken an extra step forward because of it. His dribbling ability and overall ball control is incredible. Usually the only way to contain him is to foul him. Fouling him though is not always the best option. Dwamena has five assists on the season. He is Dickinson’s main set piece taker and often plays in very dangerous crosses.
The last test standing in the way between Dickinson and their first home playoff game since 2018 is Johns Hopkins. The Red Devils currently find themselves third in the Centennial Conference standings but by far have the best overall record. Coach Chapoy has led this program to places its never before. But all the players will tell you, despite the accomplishments, they have not reached their goals yet. They will have the opportunity to change that soon with the Centennial Conference Tournament and even the NCAA Tournament around the horizon. The Red Devils are locked in for hopefully a long playoff run.
