A Promising Arrival
Arnold Matshazi, a third‑year transfer from San Jose State, joined the Virginia Cavaliers this summer, bringing with him a reputation forged in the 2025 collegiate season.
During that campaign he netted 12 goals, six of which came in the final minutes to swing games in his team’s favor, earning him first‑team All‑WAC and first‑team All‑Far West Region honors.
National Spotlight
United Soccer Coaches recently placed him on the 2026 MAC Hermann Trophy Midfielders to Watch list, a preseason acknowledgment that highlights his breakout performance and positions him among the nation’s most watched midfielders as the 2026 regular season approaches.
The list, compiled alongside other All‑America and All‑Region selections from 2025, serves to promote top college soccer talent ahead of the upcoming campaign, with the finalists to be announced in January 2027 in St. Louis, Missouri.
Virginia’s men’s soccer matches are open to the public at no cost, and the Cavaliers will open their schedule against UCLA on August 20 at 7 p.m. A preseason exhibition against VMI is slated for August 8 at 5 p.m., giving fans an early glimpse of Matshazi’s impact.
Looking Ahead
As the new academic year begins, expectations are high for Matshazi to help the Cavaliers contend for their first national title since 2004. His experience, combined with the depth of talent on the roster, makes him a key piece of a squad that aims to extend its storied program’s success.