The Albion Men's Soccer Team entered the 2026 Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association preseason conversation with a clear statement of intent, capturing third place with 35 points.
A Coach’s Eleventh Year
Head Coach Wytse Molenaar will begin his eleventh season at the helm, bringing continuity and a proven track record after guiding the team to a 12‑3‑2 record the previous year.
Key Returning Players
Among the returnees, forward Robin Ruigendijk, the reigning MIAA Freshman of the Year, will look to build on his breakout performance, while midfielder Esteban Mercado and defender Lucas Anderson, both first‑team All‑MIAA selections, provide experience and stability.
Also returning are Xavier Yuille, Khalil Camara, Binck‑Jan Bakker and Joshua Jasinkiewicz, who earned second‑team honors last season, adding depth to a squad that finished the prior campaign with a 5‑1‑1 conference record.
Opening Battle
The team’s preseason schedule opens on September 1st at 7:00 p.m. with a home matchup against Spring Arbor, a game that will set the tone for the upcoming campaign.
With a blend of veteran leadership and fresh talent, Albion aims to translate its preseason poll position into a competitive run through the MIAA schedule.