EDISON, NJ – The Rider University men's soccer team has been picked second in the MAAC Preseason Coaches Poll and senior midfielder Theo Da Silva (Sao Paulo, Brazil/University of Rio Grande) has been named MAAC Co-Preseason Player of the Year, the league office today announced. In addition, sophomore defender Max Schrader (Cherry Hill, NJ/Scholar Athletes Leadership Academy) has been selected to the Preseason All-MAAC Team.

Having played in the MAAC Championship Game vs. Iona each of the last two seasons, the Gaels (161 points, 8 first-place votes) and Broncs (155 points, 1 first-place vote) take the top two positions in the poll. Siena (124), Marist (120, 1 first-place vote) and Quinnipiac (120) round out the top five, followed by Sacred Heart (109), Manhattan (97) and Fairfield (87) each taking one first-place vote. Mount St. Mary's (67), Merrimack (40), Canisius (39), Saint Peter's (36) and Niagara (28) round out the poll.  

An All-MAAC Second Team selection in his first year with the Broncs, Da Silva started 16 of 17 games played, scored three goals and dished out five assists, tying for the team lead and good for fifth in the MAAC. He scored in his Rider debut vs. Saint Joseph's (Sept. 2), a 3-1 Rider win, while adding two assists in his second game, a 4-0 win at George Washington (Sept. 7). He also added a goal in the Broncs' 3-1 win at La Salle (Sept. 17) and scored the equalizer in the Broncs' comeback victory at Merrimack (Oct. 5). Da Silva also contributed three assists, including the setup of Cole Sotack's golden goal in the MAAC Quarterfinals vs. Sacred Heart (Nov. 10).

Schrader started all 19 matched played on the Broncs' back line in his freshman campaign, playing 90 or more minutes 16 times and no fewer than 76 minutes in any match. He played a total of 1,688 minutes on the season, serving in an invaluable role on a Rider defense that allowed just 14 goals, posted a 0.69 goals-against average (3rd – NCAA) and 10 shutouts (.500 shutout percentage – 4th – NCAA), all league bests. He also assisted on Bryan Akongo's game-winning goal in a 2-0 win over Quinnipiac on Oct. 12.

The Broncs open the 2025 season on Thursday, Aug. 21, when they play travel to Villanova. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.