As Elon University men’s soccer kicks off its 2025 campaign, it’ll be looking to deliver on promising developments from 2024, with contributions from new leaders.
Last year was a hot start for the Phoenix. Through the first eight matches of the season, the team was 7-0-1. During that stretch, Elon was ranked No. 10 in the country, thanks to major contributions from Scott Vatne ’25 and graduate student Victor Stromsten.
Alongside strong play from longtime team members, Elon’s hot start was additionally ignited by a newcomer to the team: then-junior Colin Veltri.
Veltri played at St. John’s University in New York for two years before transferring to Elon ahead of the 2024 season. In his first eight matches for the Phoenix, Veltri scored six goals, totaled three assists and carried a five-match scoring streak.
But in preparation for Elon’s Sep. 28 match against No. 19-ranked Hofstra University, Veltri’s 2024 campaign suddenly ended.
Veltri fully tore a ligament in his foot, an injury commonly known as “turf toe.”
“I couldn’t play at all,” Veltri said. “Everything I was doing was correct. It was unfortunate, but I just had to deal with it.”
The torn ligament meant Elon was left without one of its most dynamic offensive players. Following Veltri’s injury, the Phoenix went 3-6 on the year, ending the regular season with a record of 10-6-1. Elon earned the No. 1 seed in the Coastal Athletic Association Men’s Soccer Championships before losing to Hofstra University in the semifinals.
Despite playing in less than half of Elon’s matches, Veltri was no. 3 in goals scored for the Phoenix at the end of the year. His hot start even earned him a spot on the All-CAA Second Team, alongside teammates Charlie Kitch, Tomas Wroblewski and Victor Stromsten.
Veltri says his game relies on his ability to play in the flow and keep his opponents on their toes. In the opening matches of the 2024 season, defense couldn’t tell where Veltri was going.
“Being unpredictable is my main strength,” Veltri said. “My teammates know what I’m doing, but it hurts the other team. I can drift around the field and find great pockets to grab the ball.”
Stromsten and Vatne graduated after the 2024 season, leaving big holes to fill for Elon offensively. As Veltri enters his senior season, he said he hopes to be a part of filling them.
“I want to be a part of helping us get the win,” Veltri said. “If that means changing my role or doing more to help the offense, I’m willing to do that.”
Elon plays with a team-first attitude, which Veltri said affects each of their personal expectations. Vektri said he believes it also could be its greatest strength.
“The biggest difference between Elon and a lot of other teams is that every time somebody gets subbed out, it’s pretty much to play good for the person next to you,” Veltri said. “Nobody wants to just play good for the coach or for themselves. It’s for the team. That’s what everybody cares about.”
When Veltri transferred to Elon in 2024, the team environment was one of the first things he noticed.
“The youngest freshman can talk to the oldest senior, and there’s no drop-off,” Veltri said. “We have a super close team. That’s what helped us last year, and I think that’s what will help us this year too.”
Even with a team-first attitude, Veltri has some secondary aspirations.
“I do want to make the CAA First Team,” Veltri said. “Maybe even offensive player of the year. But none of those things would be possible for me or my teammates if we don’t have a good season.”
After falling short in the CAA Men’s Soccer Championships last year, Veltri says a good season means taking it to the next level.
“Our main goal is winning the CAA tournament so we can get into the NCAA tournament,” Veltri said. “I think we have a really good chance. I think we’re the favorites.”