OKLAHOMA CITY – The new season for Oklahoma City men's soccer brings a lot of new faces and a new approach for 2026.
 
The Stars won the Sooner Athletic Conference regular season and tournament titles last season but were disappointed by an early exit at the NAIA Tournament.
 
"The goal this season is to go further at the national tournament," said OCU Head Coach Billy Martin. "The boys were very disappointed with how the season ended in the first round and it has motivated everyone to win the SAC regular season and tournament this season."
 
The Stars return last season's top goal-scorer, Francisco Miquel, and assist leader Harrison Knight, but the program sent 11 other players on their way. Also back are defender Harrison Clayden and midfielder Matheus Ambrozio, who, like Miquel and Knight, Martin said he could look to for leadership.
 
Also back are forward Juan Erazo, who played in 20 games last season, along with forward Jackson Connell, midfielders Hannan Ashraf, Kenz Toms and Ethan Zeinalpour, defender Brayden Souter and goalkeepers Vittorio Di Carlo and Alan Amberson.
 
Thirteen newcomers are on the roster this season, including transfer goalkeeper Pieri Mack, defenders Rhys Bryant-Jones, Yago Monteagudo, Joao Felippe Dellu, Aden Lino and Martino Di Braida and midfielders Joao Figueiredo and Sam Belle. The freshman class includes forwards Noah Ragozzino, Sebastian Castillo and Asher Trent and midfielders Cooper Stephens and Carter Gebb.
 
Martin believes Monteagudo, Castillo and Figueiredo can be counted on for leadership.
 
The OCU defense, despite losing a lot of players, could be a key to success this season.
 
"We had a very experienced back line last year, and we graduated six defenders and our goalkeeper," said Martin. "We have added a few more goal-scorers, which we need for this season because most of our goals came from two or three players. We will be playing in a different style than the past two years. We will be a little more defensive but still a possession-based team. We graduated 11 players from last year, so there will be a lot of new faces. I believe a lot of our local players will contribute this season."
 
The Stars are picked to win the SAC again this season but got no love in the NAIA national poll.
 
OCU begins the season at home on Thursday, taking on Our Lady of the Lake at 7:30 p.m.