A Strong Start to the 2026 Campaign
The Pilots have made a splash before the first whistle, with five athletes earning spots on the prestigious TopDrawerSoccer Top 100 Men’s Soccer list for the upcoming season. This marks the most representatives from any single program, tying Portland with Stanford for the highest total in the nation.
Leading the charge is Diego Rosas, who captured the West Coast Conference Midfielder of the Year award and secured a No. 10 national ranking. Rosas not only topped the conference in assists last year but also broke the program record with 15 assists, earning a place on the TopDrawerSoccer Best XI Second Team.
Close behind, Joe Highfield paced the Pilots in scoring with 27 points — 11 goals and five assists — and earned All‑WCC and All‑West Region First Team honors. His performance placed him second in the WCC for both goals and assists and third nationally in total points, underscoring his all‑around impact.
Defensive stability also shone, as Efetobo Aror contributed a goal and an assist across 19 appearances while earning All‑WCC Second Team recognition. Nikos Clarke‑Tosczak, celebrated for his defensive work, helped the back line limit opponents to just 12 goals — the fewest since 1988 — and was named to the All‑WCC Honorable Mention list.
On the offensive front, David Ajagbe made an immediate impact in his debut season, becoming the first Pilot since 2016 to record double‑digit goals (10) while also adding four assists. His scoring prowess added a new dimension to the team’s attack.
The momentum extends beyond individual accolades. The coaching staff and players alike anticipate a strong season, with the Pilots projected to finish first in the West Coast Conference. Four teammates earned preseason All‑WCC honors, reflecting the depth of talent on the roster.
Portland will open its schedule against the California Golden Bears on August 21, a matchup that could set the tone for a campaign aimed at reclaiming the top spot in the league and making a deep run in the NCAA tournament.