The 2025 ODAC men’s soccer season has come to an end. The cougars went through a rollercoaster season which included some gut-wrenching lows, and some extraordinary highs. In the end, they missed out on the playoffs by a single point after a do-or-die finale vs EMU away from home.
For some, this was the final opportunity to get to the ODAC tournament. One of those players was Hudson Bradley.
The senior from Mosley, VA, said, “To go out the way we did was heart breaking.” Bradley said, “The way it ended hurt, but I am sure this will motivate the returning classes to get us over the line next year.”
For others, it was the first time being a part of this journey.
The redshirt freshman Daniel Perez from Egg Harbor City, N.J, said, “It was an intense first season, but I’m glad it was” Perez said, “We experienced a lot of ups and downs, and not making it into November has really motivated me to push for a playoff spot next season.”
The emotional contrast between clinching a playoff spot and bitterly missing out is vast.
Bradley said, “I was over the moon when we made the playoffs in 2023. This year, I feel that I could have done more for my teammates who haven’t made it into the playoffs yet.”
Bradley said, “This time it was on the road, so maybe it’s meant to be that we clinch our spot at home. I hope this past season will encourage the drive and hunger for the guys to be top 4 next season.”
Even though there are 10 whole months before the next season kicks off, the air is filled with optimism, and there is no doubt about what the goal is.
Perez said, “The soccer we played was strong, and we know as a team that we have the ability, talent, and determination to succeed. Our goal for the upcoming season is to make the playoffs.”
Perez said, “Although the ending was tough, we spent much of the season in a position where making the playoffs was a real possibility, so we have every reason to believe we can achieve it next year.”
The ODAC final was between Lynchburg and Washington and Lee. Lynchburg made the most out of their home advantage and got their hands on the trophy, whilst also punching their ticket on the way to the NCAA tournament. The schedule for the 2026 season is yet to be announced.
