A Historic Off‑Season for the Lopes
The United Soccer Coaches preseason poll has placed the Grand Canyon University men's soccer squad at No. 21 as the 2026 campaign approaches, a placement that reflects both the program's rapid ascent and the expectations of a fan base eager for more success.
A year ago the Lopes finished 21st after a 14‑4‑5 record, but the achievement that defined their offseason was a first‑ever appearance in the NCAA Division I Sweet 16, a milestone that has raised the profile of the program across the region.
Opening Week Challenges
The team will open its schedule on August 20 with a road test against Stanford, a match that pits two top‑25 programs against each other early in the season, before returning home to host UC Riverside on August 28. That game kicks off a stretch of five consecutive contests at GCU Stadium that runs through September 16.
Among the returning core are senior midfielders Jorge Lopez and Martin Luala, who have each logged multiple seasons of impact for the Lopes, and junior forward Alan Hermitte, who adds experience to an attacking group looking to build on last year's breakthrough.
Lopez has contributed seven goals and nine assists over three seasons at GCU, a blend of scoring and playmaking that has made him a linchpin in the midfield.
Luala, selected 28th overall in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft by San Diego FC, opted to remain in college for another season, a decision that keeps a dynamic presence in the middle of the park.
Head coach Jamie Davies, now in his second year at the helm, will rely on that blend of veteran talent and fresh energy as the Lopes aim to translate preseason optimism into results on the field.
The early slate is designed to test the team's depth, with Stanford's nationally ranked side providing a stern opening test, followed by a home matchup against UC Riverside that will allow the Lopes to showcase their chemistry in front of their own supporters.
With the roster poised to carry forward the momentum of a Sweet 16 run, the upcoming games represent more than just a schedule; they are a statement of intent from a program that has set its sights on climbing even higher in the national rankings.