As the 2026 campaign approaches, the LMU men's soccer program is shaping a roster that blends proven contributors with a wave of fresh talent. The arrival of three new assistant coaches — Erik Holt, whose MLS background spans player development; Shion Jahangiri, a specialist in goalkeeping; and Jack Cybulski, a scout with a knack for uncovering hidden gems — adds a strategic edge to the squad's preparation.
A Deep Roster
Between the posts, the Lions will rely on a mix of experience and youthful promise. Junior goalkeeper Philip Hovers brings a 1.65 goals‑against average and two shutouts from 2025, while true freshman Roney, a Texas native who honed his craft at SAI Academy and in the Austin FC Academy, arrives with high expectations. Also joining the fray is Ky Mani Dade, a redshirt senior who returns from injury with a 1.00 GAA and a .780 save percentage, having posted four shutouts in 2024.
Defensively, Omar Atia offers international pedigree, having represented Egypt and Canada at the U‑20 level before stints at Central Arkansas and UMass Lowell. Complementing him are senior backs such as Rodrigues, whose six assists in 2025 underline his offensive awareness, and the incoming freshman centerback Wilson, a former captain at Stony Brook who earned All‑State honors at Newfield High School.
Midfield dynamics will be anchored by graduate transfer Mati Sacristan, an All‑Big West selection from Cal State Fullerton who also captained his previous team and is pursuing an MBA. Complementing him, Galvin, a senior midfielder from Notre Dame Preparatory, brings All‑State recognition and leadership experience, while Samir Djeha, a junior forward from Georgia State, led the Panthers with six goals and four assists in 2025, earning RSEQ Rookie of the Year.
Up front, the attack boasts a variety of threats. Alexi Vagenas, a true freshman from the LA Galaxy Academy, arrives as a salutatorian and MLS Next Cup champion, while Galima Sonnah, a Connecticut‑raised Liberian who was a Connecticut All‑State pick, scored 18 goals with 12 assists in his debut season. Sam Scott, a redshirt junior from UCLA, adds academic prestige and on‑field reliability, having earned Big Ten All‑Academic honors.
The squad also features a host of promising newcomers, including Fritz Engel, a German youth product with eight years in the Bundesliga and Regionalliga, and Cody Davis, a true freshman from LA Surf MLS Next who captained his youth side for five years. Additional freshmen such as Alejandro Fuentesal‑Atalaya, Contreras, and Alvarez bring international caps, high school accolades, and conference awards that promise to enrich the team's depth.
Veteran presence remains strong through graduates like Clutton, who returns for a final season after more than a decade in the Bristol Rovers academy and over 20 caps for Wales’ youth teams, and Nieves, a versatile junior who contributed three goals and four assists in 2025. Their combined experience, paired with the infusion of fresh talent, sets the stage for a competitive and dynamic campaign.