Mountaineers Aim to Defend Top Spot in 2026
The 2026 WVU Men’s Soccer campaign opens with a marquee showdown against Charlotte at Jen Gaber Field, setting the tone for a season that many expect to be among the most competitive in program history.
Preseason polls have already placed the Mountaineers at the summit of the Sun Belt Conference and No. 23 in the United Soccer Coaches national rankings, reflecting the momentum built on last year’s achievements.
Leading the charge are three senior captains — Pablo Pozos, Thijs Veldhorst and Isaac Scheer — who each earned preseason honors. Pozos, a forward from Madrid, was crowned the conference’s Preseason Offensive Player of the Year after a 2025 campaign that yielded 11 goals and three assists. Veldhorst, a defender from Nijmegen, anchored a back line that recorded eight shutouts, while Scheer, a midfielder from Charlotte, earned a spot on the Preseason All‑Conference Team.
Joining them are fellow returnees Nacho Martinez, an All‑Sun Belt Second Team selection, and the incoming freshmen Juan Alvarez and Sammie Walker, both recognized on the All‑Sun Belt Freshman Team. The roster also welcomes eight transfers and five newcomers, among them Julen Recalde, who arrives after collecting River States Conference Offensive Player and Newcomer of the Year accolades.
With a blend of veteran leadership and fresh talent, the Mountaineers hope to translate the high preseason expectations into sustained success on the field. The blend of experience and new energy aims to capture another Sun Belt title and make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.