Diego Rosas earned a spot on the first team of the TopDrawerSoccer Preseason Best XI, while teammate Joe Highfield secured a third‑team selection, underscoring the Pilots’ depth heading into the new campaign.
Preseason Honors
Rosas, who topped the nation with 15 assists in 2025, also captured the West Coast Conference Midfielder of the Year award and added a United Soccer Coaches All‑West Region First Team nod, having previously been named to the Best XI Second Team the year before.
Highfield contributed a team‑high 11 goals, ranking second in the conference for both goals and total points, and placed 19th nationally in goals and 18th in assists, earning All‑WCC First Team honors in 2024 and a United Soccer Coaches Third Team All‑American berth.
Season Outlook
The Pilots were tabbed to finish first in the WCC preseason rankings, and four players earned preseason All‑WCC selections, tying the program record for the most honorees. The season opens on August 21, 2024, when the Pilots host the California Golden Bears at Merlo Field, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m.