Season Preview: Robert Morris men’s soccer strive for more consistency in HC Jon Potter’s second season

Photo courtesy Robert Morris University / Justin Berl

With one season under his belt as Robert Morris University’s men’s soccer head coach, Jonathan Potter has really begun to put his stamp on the program.

On Thursday, the Colonials kick off their 2024 season at the North Athletic Complex this Thursday, August 22 at 4:00 PM against Bucknell, looking to continue to build more consistency through the campaign and improve their standing in tough grind that is Horizon League.

Under the direction of Potter, the Colonials completed the 2023 season with a 5-6-5 overall record and a 3-4-2 mark in Horizon League play, securing a seventh-place finish in a very competitive conference standings, coming up just short on the final day of the regular season of earning a Horizon League playoff berth.

“There was a lot of change. New people, in new place. We got off to a hot start, but we had a lot of inconsistency toward the end of the season. We came together through the season, but I give a lot of credit to our guys, who are ready to take a step forward,” Potter said fecently on Sounding Off on Soccer Podcast.

“We have eight seniors coming back, and 20 returners from that group. They’ve had that mentality that they have to work and improve, and they’ve been awesome this past spring and in preseason. We’re excited about where we are at.”

As Potter embarks on his second season, he is joined by assistant coaches Abraham Lopez-Mendoza and Austin Gorman.

RMU brings back a solid core from last season. Junior midfielder Anass Hadran, a native of Morocco, led the team in points last year with three goals and four assists.

John Paul Mbuthia, Gabe Norris (Highlands/Steel City FC), and Kai McLoughlin each netted a team-high four goals. In goal, sophomore Kieran Gorgenyi started 13 matches, securing four wins and making 42 saves.

Last week, Potter announced that Norris will be joined by Connor Hain, and William Dodzi Afawubo as the team captains.

This marks the second consecutive season that all three players will don the captain’s armband.

Norris, a senior from Natrona Heights, Pa., has been a cornerstone for the Colonials over the past three years, appearing in 43 games with 29 starts. Last season, Norris was second on the team in points (9), contributing four goals and one assist.

“As a local player, to be chosen by such a diverse group of guys from all over the world to lead this team is something I’m very grateful for and take a lot of pride in,” Norris said. “This team is my family, so I will always have their backs just as they have mine.”

The other local, former WPIAL player on the squad includes sophomore Kyler Miller (Greensburg Central Catholic), who made 13 appearances last season, with one start.

RMU Men’s Soccer Roster (2024) 

Hain, hailing from North Royalton, Ohio, is set to return to the lineup for his senior season after missing 2023 due to injury. During his first two seasons with RMU, Hain played in 33 games with 25 starts, primarily in the midfield, where he has registered four assists.

“It’s such an honor to be chosen as a captain by such a great group of men,” Hain stated. “I’m very grateful for the opportunity, and I’m excited to see what the team can accomplish this season.”

Afawubo, who plays as a center back and defensive midfielder, was a key player for the Colonials last season. From Accra, Ghana, he’s appeared in 28 games with 26 starts, recording two assists.

“It’s an incredible honor to be chosen as a captain for this team,” said Afawubo. “I’m excited to lead my teammates and represent our school on and off the field.”

The run-up to the Horizon League schedule will include seven non-conference matches, starting with facing Bucknell at home to begin the season.  The Colonials will also renew annual acquaintances with ‘Cross-Tahn’ Derby rivals Duquesne.

Now heading into their fifth season as part of the Horizon League, Robert Morris’ men’s team, first under the direction of Potter predecessor, Jason O’Toole, and now under Potter has the Colonials right in the mix of one of the most underrated leagues across the Division I men’s soccer landscape.

“It’s tremendous every week. There’s not a top team that runs away with it. It does make each game competitive,” Potter said.

“There’s not a doormat team at the bottom either. On the final day last year, there were 10 teams (in the conference), and four could have won it.  It’s relentless. The travel, you have to manage the fatigue of the team. You have to be on your best game each week to get consistent results.”

RMU Men’s Soccer Schedule (Click Here) 

Of Note…

RMU’s opponent on Thursday, Bucknell will be led by former Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC head coach, Dave Brandt.  Now in his second season in Lewisburg, Brandt compiled a 2-10-4 overall record and a 1-6-2 mark in Patriot League play last season.

Their two victories came against Mount St. Mary’s and Lehigh. The Bison welcome seven freshmen and four transfers to their 2024 roster.

Sounding Off on Soccer Podcast: With one year under his belt, RMU Men’s Head Coach Jonathan Potter is putting his stamp on program