Duquesne Men’s Soccer seek history: A-10 regular-season title on the line Saturday at La Salle

Entering the final match of the 2026 regular season, Chase Brooks’ Duquesne squad sits comfortably atop the Atlantic 10 standings with 18 points, holding a two-point advantage over second-place Saint Louis.

When the Dukes kick off against La Salle at 5:00 p.m. at McCarthy Stadium, the stakes are crystal clear: a victory secures Duquesne’s first A-10 regular-season championship since 2005 and its first outright crown since 2004. Even a draw would guarantee at least a share of the regular-season title.

It has been an impressive campaign overall for the Dukes, who boast a 0.73 team goals-against average—leading the Atlantic 10 and tying for eighth nationally in NCAA Division I. Anchored by redshirt senior goalkeeper Sam Coss, who has played every minute between the posts, and a high-powered offensive stretch that saw Duquesne score 10 consecutive goals across a three-game A-10 win streak in October, the group knows the job isn’t finished yet.

While the Dukes suffered a tough 3-1 non-conference road loss to Big Ten foe Penn State this past Wednesday, head coach Chase Brooks and his veterans have spent the week refocusing on the ultimate regular-season prize.

“We’ve put ourselves in a fantastic position, but this group knows we have to finish the job,” Brooks said heading into the weekend.

Reflecting on the team’s resilience and leadership down the stretch, senior defender Blaize Hardy and Coach Brooks recently broke down the mentality driving the squad with Pittsburgh Soccer Now’s Zac Weiss.

• Blaize Hardy Post-Match Reaction: Watch Here on YouTube

• Coach Chase Brooks Preview & Discussion: Watch Here on YouTube

Scouting the Explorers

La Salle (6-7-3, 2-3-2 A-10) enters Saturday sitting eighth in the conference standings with eight points. Led by junior forward Gabe Faust (seven goals) and Toto Esquivel Meza (six goals, one assist), the Explorers will look to play spoiler on their home turf.

Historically, Duquesne holds a 14-7-3 edge in the all-time series against La Salle, winning 2-1 in their last meeting in 2023 behind a brace from Ask Ekeland.

What’s Next After Saturday?

Regardless of Saturday’s outcome in Philadelphia, Duquesne has already locked in the right to host an upcoming match in the Atlantic 10 Championship. The Dukes will welcome a postseason opponent to Rooney Field on Friday, Nov. 6, at 7:00 p.m.

John Krysinsky

John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).