Golden Eagles Aim for First PacWest Tournament Spot
The Concordia University Irvine men’s soccer program is chasing its first appearance in the PacWest Conference Tournament during the NCAA Division II era, a milestone that would mark a turning point for the Golden Eagles.
Coach Ryan Smith’s squad entered the season after being tabbed fourth in the league’s preseason poll and even earned a solitary first‑place vote, a testament to the belief that the team can compete.
Between the posts, veteran goalkeeper Sebastian Marin will guard the net, while French academy graduate Leo Ripert arrives from Olympique Lyonnais to add depth and experience.
Up front, the attacking duo of Dylan Graham and Andy Jun are expected to provide the spark, complemented by forwards Bryan Maldonado and George Peterson and midfielder Gianluca Guimaraes, who all contributed to last season’s momentum.
Midfielders Marcus Ozmai and Angel Reyes, both alumni of JSerra High School, return looking for more minutes, while newcomers Gus Roetcisoender and Alexis Gomez bring fresh energy to the center of the park.
Defensive reinforcements include Joao Freitas, David Garcia, Drew Zevallos and Nathan McKenzie, each bringing top‑level pedigree from Portugal, Brazil and beyond, while freshmen Daniel Parker and Aaron Nour, fresh from England, add youthful vigor.
The schedule opens with home matches against Cal State Los Angeles on August 27 and Cal State San Marcos on August 29, before the team’s first PacWest conference test against Hawai‘i Hilo on September 19, a game that will be part of a doubleheader with the women’s side.