The University of Scranton men's soccer program will celebrate a historic milestone this fall as the Royals honor members of the 1976 Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Championship team during the program's Alumni Appreciation Game on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 1:00 p.m. when Scranton hosts Susquehanna University.

The 1976 squad captured the first conference championship in the history of Scranton Athletics 50 years ago, beginning a championship tradition that saw the Royals win six MAC titles over an eight-year span. The team was led by head coach Steve Klingman, who helped establish a foundation of success that continues to define the Royals' men's soccer program.

Scranton posted a 15-6 overall record during the 1976 season and earned the MAC Championship with a 2-1 victory over Haverford College. Along the way, the Royals defeated several nationally recognized opponents, including Division I Colgate University, and advanced to the ECAC Regional Championship following the season.

At the time, the MAC was the largest conference in the country across all three NCAA divisions, featuring many programs that are now members of the Centennial Conference and Landmark Conference. The championship represented a significant achievement for Scranton men's soccer and helped establish the program's tradition of excellence.

The team's legacy continues to be reflected throughout the program's record books, with members of the 1976 squad still ranked among the program's all-time leaders in career goals, points, saves and shutouts.

The Alumni Appreciation Game will recognize the players, coaches and staff members from the championship season while celebrating the lasting impact of a team that helped shape the history of Scranton Athletics.