MEDFORD, Mass.-- The eighth-seeded Bates College men's soccer team fell 1-0 to #1 Tufts in the NESCAC Quarterfinals on Saturday afternoon at Bello Field.

Despite the loss, the Bobcats wrapped up a strong season—earning their first quarterfinal appearance since 2019 and posting their most wins (7) in a single campaign since that same year. Bates finishes the 2025 season at 7-6-3 overall (3-6-2 NESCAC).

The opening half was a defensive battle, with both sides keeping each other off the board. Tufts broke through in the 76th minute on a penalty kick converted by senior Daniel Yanez for the game's only goal.

The Jumbos held a 17-6 shot advantage, including 7-1 on goal. Sophomore goalkeeper George Nassar kept Bates within striking distance, recording six saves.

Bates graduates eight seniors who played a key role in the program's resurgence, while a promising core returns—led by Nassar in goal, first-year standouts Chris Bianco (three goals, four assists) and Luke Cunniffe (five goals, two assists), and an experienced defensive line set to anchor the 2026 squad.