JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville University men's soccer announced its schedule for the 2023 campaign on Monday.
 
The first season under new head coach Ali Simmons features road tests against ACC and SEC schools, plus a handful of in-state home matchups, highlighted by the River City Rumble.
 
"One of my mentors, Denver Head Coach Jamie Franks, told me in regards to scheduling 'if you want to compete against the best, you need to schedule them' and this is what we will look to do moving forward," Simmons remarked about the challenging slate. "Coach Buckner and I have worked hard to make sure we give the boys an opportunity to compete against the best in a strong out-of-conference schedule, alongside our ASUN fixtures."
 
The first four matches are on the road, including at Duke and Boston College, as well as tests against defending Colonial Athletic Association champion Elon and a Mercer squad that advanced to the Southern Conference Championship Final last fall. Other non-conference matchups of note include a home match against Florida Atlantic and trips to South Carolina and Georgia Southern.
 
The conference slate features home matches against FGCU, Central Arkansas and Bellarmine, as well as welcoming crosstown rival North Florida to Southern Oak Stadium on September 23.
 
"To be able to play road games versus Duke, who are coming off a National Quarterfinal appearance, as well as CAA Regular Season Champions Elon on opening weekend is going to provide an immediate test and marker for where we are," Simmons said. "We are also looking forward to bringing three Florida schools to Southern Oak Stadium and to our fans, FAU, FGCU and UNF."
 
The season is scheduled to begin on the road in Durham against the Blue Devils on August 25, with the first home match of the year set for September 8 vs. Florida Atlantic.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE 2023 SCHEDULE IN ITS ENTIRETY