East Peoria, Ill. - Coming off an encouraging 2024 campaign where they finished 8-4-3, the Illinois Central College men's soccer team enters the 2025 campaign with ambitions of pushing deeper into postseason play and securing a spot in the NJCAA National Tournament. Head coach Gabe Carreno, now in his fourth season, has instilled a foundation of tactical discipline, defensive structure, and a team-first ethos that has ICC primed to take the next step. 

The Cougars will start the season on Saturday, August 23 as they host St. Charles in a 4:00 pm contest at the ICC CougarPlex Soccer Field. 

CORE STRENGTHS AND NEW FACES
While ICC graduated and transferred several key contributors, Carreno's squad returns a solid nucleus across the defense - the engine of last season's success. The coaching staff has bolstered the roster with technical midfielders and pacey forwards capable of stretching defenses, giving the Cougars more variety in the final third. 

DEFENSIVE STABILITY
The Cougars conceded just over one goal per match in 2024—a testament to their organization at the back. Anchored by a transfer-filled defensive line and paired with a confident goalkeeper who has proven shot-stopping ability, the Cougars expect similar results this fall. Carreno emphasizes a defense that can manage tempos, ensuring the team remains competitive in every match regardless of opponent. 

UNLOCKING THE ATTACK
Consistency in front of goal was the missing piece a year ago. With added creativity in midfield and increased speed on the wings, the Cougars aim to be more ruthless in transition and sharper in finishing inside the box. Carreno has stressed efficiency in the attacking third during preseason, knowing that turning draws into wins could define their season. 

KEY FIXTURES
ICC faces a challenging but opportunity-rich slate in 2025. A highlight including scrimmages against three Division I schools---SIU-Edwardsville, Marquette, and Bradley University---before the squad heads to Florida for tests against #3 Eastern Florida State and #11 Daytona State.

A late-September showdown with #8 Miami Dade (played in Godfrey) also stands out. Region 24 play kicks off September 27 against Lewis & Clark, followed by critical home-and-away contests that will determine postseason seeding. Encounters with perennial powers #2 Indian Hills and #1 Iowa Western will further sharpen the squad. 

Outlook 
With a blend of returning leadership, defensive resilience, and new attacking options, the Cougars approach 2025 with quiet confidence. If they can maintain their defensive identity while becoming more clinical in the attacking third, ICC has the tools to contend for a Region 24 title and potentially punch their ticket to the national stage. 

"We know the standard," Carreno said. "Now it's about reaching it every single match."