The Orange have been a national contender for years, but could this new rule change things one way or the other?
The Syracuse University men's soccer team has been a national contender for years, but could a new rule change have an impact on the program one way or another?
While not finalized just yet, the NCAA is set to move men's soccer to a two-semester season from a one-semester season.
Currently, the entirety of the men's soccer season takes place in the fall, with the regular season beginning in August and the national championship game happening in December.
The new rules will call for teams to be able to play a 25-game season, with a max of 18 of those games occurring in the fall semester (up until the Saturday before Thanksgiving). Up to 10 of the remaining games can be played in the spring semester, beginning in mid-February. The national championship tournament will be played in March.
What's the timing on these changes?
Per the NCAA press release:
The Division I Men's Soccer Oversight Committee adopted legislation changing the sport's playing and practice season to two semesters, effective Aug. 1, 2027.
The committee's action is subject to review by the Division I Cabinet during its June 23-24 meeting.
Why is this being done?
Also per the press release:
Rationale for the recommendation focuses on benefits for student-athletes. These include:
- A more balanced academic and athletic experience by reducing time demands in any single term.
- A decompressed playing season with potentially fewer midweek games, resulting in less missed class time and promoting stronger academic performance and degree completion.
- More predictable weekly schedules across fall and spring.
- Opportunity for enhanced recovery time between matches, which could support injury prevention and return-to-play protocols.
- Stronger integration into campus life and deeper engagement with teammates and coaches.
How about the transfer portal?
The portal will open the day after the national title game and will stay open for 15 days.
About Syracuse soccer's recent history
2025: Made NCAA Tournament, lost to Hofstra in first round
2024: Lost in round one of ACC Tournament
2023: Reached second round of NCAA Tournament, lost to No. 10 New Hampshire
2022: Won national championship, first in program history. Went 19-2-4.
2021: Lost in round one of ACC Tournament
*Syracuse advanced to the Final Four in 2015 as well, losing to Clemson.
Syracuse Orange midfielder/defender Oyvind Alseth (36) shoots a penalty kick against the Clemson Tigers at Sporting Park in 2015. Gary Rohman/MLS/Imagn ImagesHow this will impact things for SU?
Potentially significantly.
It's likely that everything the release says about campus life and academic balance are going to be true for the players, but there are other things to consider as well.
1) How many teams will struggle in the fall session and then get multiple months off to get better before a final spring push?
2) Will teams be able to get mid-semester transfers that can help in that spring push?
3) Will teams who dealt with injuries in the fall be able to get healthier for the spring to make a late push?
4) How many teams that were hot in the spring will struggle as a result of the off time?
5) Most important for Syracuse, how will the weather impact things? Will Syracuse be forced into playing several snow-impacted games in the spring season, similar to Northeastern lacrosse programs? Will recruits not want to come because of that? Will SU make the JMA Wireless Dome available for home games, even around lacrosse and basketball schedules at the same time? Is that even possible time-wise?
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