The 2026 campaign for UC Davis men’s soccer opens with a pair of high‑stakes non‑conference fixtures against Sacramento State and Cal Poly, setting the tone for a season that promises to be both competitive and full of new experiences.
A Milestone for a Legend
Head coach Dwayne Shaffer, who celebrated his thirtieth year at the helm this spring, brings a career tally of 269 NCAA victories to the field, a testament to his enduring influence on the program.
The squad blends seasoned veterans with a wave of fresh talent. Returning standouts such as Nami Banks, Zack Lillington and Rafael Matiello join forces with a dozen newcomers, while the departure of nine seniors, including All‑Big West selections Cason Goodman, Luke Goodman and Zack Lillington, creates both a challenge and an opportunity for younger players to step up.
After capturing multiple Big West Tournament championships, the Aggies are poised to compete in the newly formed Mountain West Conference, the first Division I league to add men’s soccer since 2023. The move follows a dominant home stretch last season, where the team posted a 3‑0‑1 record in conference play and reached the tournament semifinals.
The preseason slate includes marquee matchups against Stanford and Washington before the team dives into Mountain West action against San Jose State and Air Force. The inaugural Mountain West Men’s Soccer Championship is slated for November 8‑14, with the NCAA Tournament kicking off on November 19.
Alumni continue to make headlines, most notably former Aggie Max Arfsten, who represented the United States at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and Zack Lillington, whose seventh‑overall selection in the MLS SuperDraft stands as the program’s highest ever pick.
Ranked third in the Mountain West preseason coaches’ poll with 15 points, the Aggies enter the campaign with high expectations, aiming to translate early momentum into a sustained push for the conference title and beyond.