The Duquesne men’s soccer squad is gearing up for its season opener against Lafayette, bringing a roster that blends fresh talent with a handful of proven veterans.
What sets this preseason apart is the team’s willingness to experiment on the field, swapping drills for games like soccer volleyball and even a round of Connect Four to tighten chemistry.
A coaching staff reshaped
Veteran coach Chase Brooks returns after 14 seasons, while Rodrigo Albayeros, a familiar face from earlier campaigns, rejoins the staff, bringing a blend of experience and fresh perspective.
Senior captains Jaxon Ervin and Ashwin Menon have taken on the role of program ambassadors, using their on‑field leadership to foster unity and set a competitive tone.
The return of key players such as Blaize Hardy and Alex Posada adds depth to a defensive unit that limited goals in recent preseason matches, while the influx of ten newcomers has quickly adapted to the team’s rhythm.
A ‘we don’t care’ mentality has taken hold in the locker room, with every member focused on showing up, performing and pushing each other to excel, regardless of the opponent.
The coaching staff and players alike speak of a positive, competitive atmosphere that they hope will translate into a strong Atlantic 10 campaign, aiming to build on last season’s 8‑6‑2 overall record and a 2‑6‑0 conference slate.