With newly appointed Head Coach Sean Elvert at the helm, the Colby men’s soccer team has kicked off the 2025 season with intent. Having gone through an intense two-week preseason involving twice-daily training sessions, the Mules entered their opener against Thomas College eager to showcase their hard work and set the tone for the campaign this season.
September 2, at Bill Alfond Field, under the lights, with a deafening home crowd cheering, Colby set the tone. Junior center back Jacob Sams `27 ended a scoreless deadlock in the second half with a thunderous strike from the edge of the box to spark a wave of momentum. First-year midfielder Jude Gussen `29 tallied two clinical goals, and junior Joseph Beshel `27 calmly scored a penalty to cap a 4–1 victory and the team’s first of the year.
Just four days later, the Mules played longtime rival Bowdoin College in a high-quality early-season contest. Unable to get back on a determined second half, Colby fell 2–1 to the Polar Bears, as freshman forward Santi Canencio `29 tallied one back from the penalty spot following Bowdoin’s building of a two-goal advantage.
Colby roared back quickly, taking a 2–1 midweek victory over the University of Southern Maine thanks to goals from senior forward Chase Dolinko `26 and junior Charlie Scott `27. That energy was transferred into their second NESCAC game against a strong Tufts University team, as the Mules battled to a gritty 0–0 tie, earning a hard-fought conference point.
The winning streak continued on the road with a 3–1 win over Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, highlighted by a composed finish in the attack. Next was the trip to New London, Connecticut, where Colby faced Connecticut College. Down a goal, the Mules showed resilience, tying late in the second half when first-year midfielder Leo Robison `29 struck the ball in on a corner.
Colby closed out the stretch with a dominating 2–0 victory at Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts. Gussen `29 opened the scoring with a first-half goal, and sophomore forward Anthony Bugliari `28 sealed the 2–0 margin after halftime as the Mules controlled the contest from start to finish.
Now riding a wave of strong performances, the Mules head back to Massachusetts for their toughest test yet: a grueling NESCAC doubleheader featuring powerhouse Williams College on September 27 and reigning NCAA champion Amherst College the following day. With their current form and growing confidence, Coach Elvert’s squad will look to steal crucial points and prove they belong among the league’s elite.
Senior forward Dolinko, a key leader in his senior year, praised the team for its combination of veteran leadership and rookie depth.
“We have an excellent first-year class and a lot of new transfers that have played significant roles, on the field and in the locker room,” Dolinko added. “They’ve certainly contributed positively to the team and made an impact instantly.”
Reflecting upon the team’s hard-fought tie at Connecticut College, Dolinko added, “The game was tough; we definitely would have liked more than a point, but Leo scored a great goal in the dying minutes, and we were happy with the way the boys worked up until the final whistle.”
Dolinko, who graduates after JanPlan, has been an important part of Elvert’s squad and is determined to get the Mules rolling towards a much-coveted postseason trip.
Colby has not captured a NESCAC championship since 2018, but this season’s squad is intent on fixing that. With their recent play grabbing attention around the league, the Mules have established themselves as a team that will not be left behind.
We wish them the best of luck on the road and hope to see the Mules bring valuable points back to Waterville as they move along with their run this season.
~ Kameron Mohammed `29
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