Lubbock Christian University’s men’s soccer team captured fifth place in the Lone Star Conference preseason poll for 2026, marking the program’s highest preseason ranking since the 2022 season when they finished fourth. The Chaps earned 241 points, a tally that included a single first‑place vote from league coaches, sports information directors and media members, underscoring confidence in the squad’s potential.
A Historic Ranking for the Chaps
Midwestern State University topped the poll with 351 points and 30 first‑place votes, riding the momentum of a national championship earned the previous season. The conference also awarded MSU’s offensive, defensive and goalkeeper of the year honors, further highlighting the Mustangs’ dominance.
St. Edward’s University followed in second and the University of Texas at Dallas in third, completing a top‑three that sets the stage for a competitive conference schedule.
Tournament Format and Outlook
The LSC has structured its tournament so that the top six point‑earning teams advance, with quarterfinal sites assigned to the No. 3 and No. 4 seeds, semifinals to the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds, and the championship match slated for the highest remaining seed.
Lubbock Christian’s 2025 campaign concluded with an 8‑8‑4 record, propelling the Chaps to the tournament final for the second time in program history and setting a positive tone for the upcoming season.
The first regular‑season test arrives on August 27, when the Chaps host Fort Lewis at the LCU Soccer & Track Complex, a venue that will also serve as the backdrop for their season‑long push.
Players to Watch
Three individuals have been singled out as Players to Watch: midfielder Alex Lachevre, slated as the Offensive Player to Watch; goalkeeper Milo Paci, the Goalkeeper to Watch; and defensive specialist Joao Catafesta, recognized as the Defensive Player to Watch.