Opening Night at Nelson Stadium
The Saints will kick off the 2026‑27 campaign on a Friday night, hosting Dordt from Iowa at Valley Bank Field inside Nelson Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m.
Coach Austin Shick, now in his fourth season, has already guided the program to two NAIA national tournaments in the past two years, and the team is looking to extend that success.
A Squad in Transition
Leading the side as captain is midfielder Sam Loughton, a Second Team All‑CCC selection who set a career high with six goals last season, three of which came in game‑winning fashion.
Freshman forward Enrico Paparelli, who topped the scoring charts in 2025 before a knee injury halted his debut campaign, is expected to add depth up front, while senior forward Felix Billard, the 2024 CCC Offensive Player of the Year, brings 26 career goals to the attack.
Eleven upperclassmen transfers have joined the roster, all aiming to make an immediate impact as the Saints blend experience with youthful energy.
Looking Ahead
With the starting goalkeeper spot up for grabs among Dane Quinn, Noah Jordan and Ronnie Meadows, the team will rely on disciplined defending to protect the home turf, where they have yet to break a three‑game winless streak under Shick.
Carroll entered the NAIA preseason coaches’ poll as a receiving vote for the second straight year, reflecting modest but growing expectations, and the early schedule promises a smooth transition as the staff emphasizes a game‑by‑game approach while nurturing the freshman class alongside the returning upperclassmen.