Diego Rosas, the Portland Pilots’ creative midfield anchor, has been named to the 2026 United Soccer Coaches Midfielders to Watch list, marking the second consecutive year a Pilots player receives this preseason recognition.
A Record‑Setting 2025 Campaign
During the 2025 season Rosas dished out 15 assists, shattering the program’s single‑season assist record and topping the nation in that category. His playmaking helped the Pilots secure a historic victory in the NCAA Tournament second round, a match that stretched into overtime after his lone goal.
National Rankings and Honors
The Pilots entered the United Soccer Coaches Preseason Top 25 at No. 6, the highest preseason position for the program since 1996. Rosas added to the buzz by earning WCC Midfielder of the Year, All‑WCC First Team, United Soccer Coaches All‑West Region First Team and TopDrawerSoccer Best XI honors.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Portland will test its mettle with three exhibition matches, highlighted by a free public scrimmage at Merlo Field on August 7. The regular season opens on August 21 against the California Golden Bears, also at Merlo Field, setting the stage for a campaign that could build on the momentum of last year’s achievements.
Goalkeeper Miguel‑Angel Hernandez was recently placed on the United Soccer Coaches goalkeepers watch list, underscoring the team’s depth and the continued prominence of Portland’s players on the national stage.