A month away from kickoff, the West Virginia University men’s soccer team is poised to open its 2026 campaign against Charlotte on August 20, marking the start of a schedule that blends home and road challenges.
The Mountaineers arrive after three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and a 2024 Sun Belt Championship, setting a high bar for the new season.
Returning talent includes forward Pablo Pozos, who led the squad with 11 goals and three assists in 2025, and midfielder Nacho Martinez, who logged over 1,700 minutes and helped the defense record eight shutouts.
Midfielder Isaac Scheer returns after contributing three goals and seven assists, while Sammie Walker combined with Juan Alvarez for three goals and four assists.
Coaching continuity
Head coach Dan Stratford, now in his seventh year, continues to shape the program, having previously captured two Division II national titles.
Roster turnover and new additions
However, the team will be without forward Marcus Calderia, the 2025 Sun Belt Conference Player and Offensive Player of the Year, who has decided not to return for his senior season.
Goalkeeping will see a turnover, as veteran Marc Bonnaire exhausts his eligibility, making way for newcomers Toby Mawer, Chase Collins and the sole freshman keeper Kendall Starks.
The transfer market brought five portal additions, including Julen Recalde, Harry Hogben and Kanta Ishii, while international recruits Aurélien Cormier (France), Joshua Dudock (Germany) and Mark Chust (Spain) add depth.
Freshmen from Canada, Virginia, Maryland and Singapore — Joshua Jones, Grafton Kahl, Lucas White and Ryan Birtwistle — join the roster, expanding the global footprint of the squad.
The 2026 slate features ten home matches and seven away contests, highlighted by a home opener against St. Bonaventure and rivalry games versus Marshall and UCF.
With a blend of seasoned leaders and fresh faces, the Mountaineers look to translate early momentum into a competitive campaign that could once again put West Virginia on the national stage.