SCRANTON — Former University of Scranton men’s soccer players from various classes returned to Weiss Field at the Quinn Athletics Campus on April 12 for their annual alumni match.

The final score of the game was 6-0, won by the current men’s soccer team. The event drew players from multiple graduating classes offering a competitive yet nostalgic evening.

The alumni game is a cherished tradition for the men’s soccer program offering past Royals a chance to reconnect with their coaches and former teammates, meet current players, and relive their days on Weiss Field. The team’s coaching staff reached out to alumni and asked former players to attend through Instagram promotions.

The event highlights the strong sense of community that lives on after graduation, and after the last step out onto the field.

Sophomore Luke Roberto, midfield player on the current men’s soccer team, and finance major did not play due to injury, but enjoyed watching the alumni match from the sidelines. Roberto viewed the game to be more of a friendly match than a competition.  

“I would say the game was more so about having fun, making some connections with alumni rather than a serious match. Although, we played very seriously as you can see by the score,” Roberto said.

Sophomore Ronnie Prislupski, midfield player on the current men’s soccer team and finance major, said the alumni game was a fun event to interact with alumni who once were in their shoes.

“It was a lot of fun playing against former Royals in the alumni game and getting to see some familiar faces that I used to play with,” Prislupski said.

Sophomore Byron Maldonado, defensive player on the current men’s soccer team and cybercrime and homeland security major, believes the alumni game is a great part of the program and should continue for years to come.

“It helps connect us with past generations and talk to them about their experiences with the program and what it meant and means to them. This isn’t something we usually get to do, so it’s important we have events like this,” Maldonado said.

Junior Justin Curran, striker on the current men’s soccer team and business analytics major, thinks events like the match where the past comes together with the present are crucial to building team culture and the school’s legacy.

“I think it’s good to build team culture and traditions especially for building traditions that aren’t just for our team but for everyone else that graduated prior to us,” Curran said.

The alumni game opened Curran’s eyes to how deep the Royal legacy runs, and it means a lot for him to be a part of the ongoing legacy.

“It’s exciting knowing that I will always have a second family, which are the Royals,” he said.

If Curran could say one thing to future Royals when he returns to play as an alumnus, his advice would be to make the most of the time that is given.

“Don’t take it for granted because it goes super fast,” Curran said.

According to Curran, the alumni game was a great way for current players on the team to bond with the alumni that came before them. Some of the players that were of age attended a luncheon and went to local bars in downtown Scranton with alumni to build relations.

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