Siena Men's Soccer head coach Graciano Brito revealed this week that midfielder Lucas Horja will be part of the Saints' roster for the upcoming season, a move that adds depth and experience to the midfield.
A native of Guilderland, New York, Horja returns to the Capital Region after a season at Fairleigh Dickinson University, where he completed his freshman year without logging a match appearance but trained extensively with the squad.
Horja's youth career was marked by standout performances at Guilderland High School, where he helped the team reach sectional, regional and state finalist games, and by four years with Hartford Athletic Academy, a program known for developing professional talent.
A Local Talent Returns
During the 2024‑25 campaign he also competed at the MLS NEXT level with Oakwood Soccer Club, finishing as the club's top goal scorer across both the fall and spring seasons, a testament to his attacking instincts.
His development was further enriched by a stint training with Romanian League 2 side CSM Ceahlăul Piatra Neamț, where he absorbed a different tactical environment and honed his technical skills.
The Saints are coming off a historic season that delivered the program's first-ever conference championship and secured an inaugural NCAA Tournament berth, setting a high bar for the incoming midfield reinforcements.
Coach Brito emphasized that Horja's familiarity with the region, combined with his technical ability and proven attacking experience, positions him to make an immediate impact as the team looks to build on its recent success.