Tsunehara Named United Soccer Coaches Defender to Watch

PRINCETON, N.J. – Roka Tsunehara has been named to the United Soccer Coaches' Defenders to Watch List, the organization announced Monday.

Tsunehara was a mainstay of the Tiger back line last season as it helped Princeton to a historically successful season. Going undefeated in the Ivy League with zero goals conceded, the Tigers won the Ivy League's first "double" championship by winning both the regular season and the Ivy League Tournament. The Tigers were also seeded third in the NCAA Tournament, marking the highest-ever seed for an Ivy League team.

Starting all 19 games for the Tigers, Tsunehara was critical to both the Tigers' defensive success and offensive production. The Burlingame, Calif. native scored his first career goal against UMass last September. He also tallied four assists during the season, including the game-winner at Penn that helped the Tigers complete their 7-0-0 campaign.

For his performance, Tsunehara was a Second Team All-Ivy and Second Team All-Region honoree.

Now returning for his junior season in the Orange & Black, Tsunehara will help lead the Tigers' defense this season as they look for continued success.

He and the Tigers will begin the 2026 season on August 28th at home against Villanova.

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