The Princeton University men’s soccer team didn’t just win the 2025 Ivy League title—they rewrote the record books. On Wednesday, November 12, 2025, the Ivy League unveiled its annual All-Ivy Teams and Major Awards, and the results were a landslide: Princeton claimed nearly every major honor after completing the league’s first perfect 7-0 conference season in over a decade. Their 15-1-2 overall record, which carried them to No. 3 in the United Soccer Coaches national poll, wasn’t just impressive—it was historic. And the awards? They didn’t just top the list. They owned it.
Unprecedented Defense, Unstoppable Offense
The story of Princeton’s season was written in two parts: a defense that refused to bend, and an offense that refused to stop. Andrew Samuels, the Tigers’ senior centerback, became the first player in Ivy League history to earn Defensive Player of the Year since the award’s inception in 2013—and he did it by not allowing a single goal in seven conference games. Zero. Not one. That’s not just lockdown defense. That’s a statement. "He was the last line of a wall," said one opposing coach anonymously. "We threw everything at them. Nothing stuck." On the other end, Daniel Ittycheria was unstoppable. The junior forward, who scored 11 goals and added six assists in league play, was named Offensive Player of the Year after leading the Ivy League in both goals and game-winning strikes. He wasn’t just the engine—he was the entire machine. Ittycheria, along with Samuels and centerback Giuliano Fravolini Whitchurch, earned unanimous First Team selections, a rare trifecta that underscored Princeton’s dominance.Coaching Staff of the Year: A Legacy Cemented
Behind every great team is a great staff—and Princeton’s coaching staff didn’t just lead. They orchestrated. Jim Barlow, in his 29th season as head coach, was joined by associate head coach Steve Totten and assistants Sam Maira and Tom Moffat in being unanimously named Ivy League Coaching Staff of the Year. It’s the third time this group has won the award—2018, 2021, and now 2025. That’s more than any other staff in conference history. "They don’t just coach tactics," said a longtime athletic director. "They build identity. And this team? They played like they’d been waiting their whole lives for this moment."Harvard’s Rookie Sensation and the Rise of the Underdogs
While Princeton stole the spotlight, the league’s future arrived in Cambridge. Adam Poliakov, Harvard’s first-year forward, didn’t just make an impression—he made history. With five goals and one assist in just nine games, he became the Crimson’s ninth Ivy League Rookie of the Year since the award’s inception, and the first since 2021. His 11 points ranked sixth in the league, and his four conference goals were the most on his team. "He’s got ice in his veins," said Harvard coach Tommy White. "First game? He scored. First road trip? He scored again. You don’t coach that. You just hope you’re in the right place when it happens." Meanwhile, Cornell University emerged as the league’s most consistent challenger. Their 5-1-1 conference record (14-3-2 overall) was the second-best in the league, and they placed three players on the First Team: Andrew Johnson, Connor Miller, and Westin Carnevale. But it was their depth on the Second Team that told the real story: three honorees, including standout midfielder Aidan Martin, who averaged a goal every 1.8 games.The Full Picture: All-Ivy Honors Across the League
For the first time since 2019, every Ivy League school had at least one player recognized on the All-Ivy teams. The First Team featured 11 players total, with Princeton dominating with six selections, including midfielders Bardia Hormozi, Jack Jasinski, and Sam Vigilante. University of Pennsylvania’s Patrick Cayelli and Brown University’s James Snaith also earned unanimous nods. The Second Team, however, was where the depth shone. Cornell led with three honorees, but Brown’s Lorenzo Amaral made it three All-Ivy selections in four years—a feat matched by no other player in the league. His five assists tied for second in the conference. Columbia’s Jack McDaid earned his second straight Second Team nod after a four-game scoring streak that included a two-goal performance against FDU and Hofstra—his first Offensive Player of the Week honor since 2019. And Yale’s Sven Meacham finished with six assists, the most by a Yale player since 2023.Academic Excellence Matches Athletic Dominance
Even in the classroom, Princeton led the way. Giuliano Fravolini Whitchurch, the defensive anchor, was named to the Academic All-Ivy team—a distinction shared by one standout from each school. It’s a quiet but powerful testament to what the Ivy League stands for: elite athletes who are also elite students. "They don’t just play for trophies," said a university dean. "They play for legacy."What’s Next?
With the regular season wrapped, Princeton now turns its attention to the NCAA Tournament. Their No. 3 national ranking and undefeated conference record make them a clear contender. But the real question isn’t whether they’ll make the field—it’s how far they’ll go. Can a team that’s never won an NCAA title in men’s soccer finally break through? With a defense that hasn’t conceded in 630 minutes and an offense that’s clicking at peak efficiency, don’t bet against them.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Princeton achieve an undefeated Ivy League season?
Princeton’s 7-0 conference record was built on disciplined defense, led by Andrew Samuels—who allowed zero goals in seven games—and a high-pressing attack spearheaded by Daniel Ittycheria, who scored 11 league goals. The coaching staff’s tactical adjustments, including a switch to a 3-5-2 formation in midseason, disrupted opponents’ rhythm and minimized scoring chances. Only two teams managed to score against them in the entire season.
Who is the most decorated player in Ivy League men’s soccer history this season?
Andrew Samuels became the first-ever Defensive Player of the Year for Princeton since the award’s creation in 2013, and he’s the only player in the league to record a clean sheet in every conference game. Combined with his First Team selection and Academic All-Ivy honor, his season is arguably the most complete in Ivy League defensive history. Daniel Ittycheria’s Offensive Player of the Year award and six First Team nods also make him a top contender for the league’s all-time greats.
Why is Adam Poliakov’s Rookie of the Year win significant for Harvard?
Harvard hadn’t had a Rookie of the Year since 2021, and Poliakov’s five goals in nine games (all in conference play) were the most by a Harvard freshman since 2017. His impact was immediate—he scored in his first three conference games and became the Crimson’s top scorer in league play. His emergence signals a potential resurgence for Harvard, which hasn’t won an Ivy title since 2018.
How does this year’s coaching staff award compare to past winners?
Jim Barlow’s staff is now the only group in Ivy League history to win Coaching Staff of the Year three times (2018, 2021, 2025). The next closest is Penn’s staff, with two wins. What sets them apart is consistency: they’ve had at least four All-Ivy selections in each of the last five seasons. Their ability to develop players like Samuels—who was a reserve in 2023—into national-caliber defenders speaks to their long-term development philosophy.
What does this mean for Princeton’s NCAA Tournament chances?
With a 15-1-2 record, a No. 3 national ranking, and a perfect conference record, Princeton is a near-lock for an at-large bid and could be seeded as high as No. 5. Their defense is among the top five in Division I, and their offensive efficiency (1.9 goals per game) rivals top national programs. If they can navigate the early rounds, they have the roster to reach the College Cup for the first time since 2007.
Which schools showed the most improvement this season?
Columbia and Dartmouth made the biggest leaps. Columbia’s Jack McDaid became their first Offensive Player of the Week since 2019, and their overall record improved from 3-7-1 in 2024 to 5-6-2 in 2025. Dartmouth’s Olly Spicer, a transfer from the UK, led the Big Green in points with nine, and they nearly doubled their win total from last year. Both programs now have clear paths forward, with young talent emerging in key roles.