The Portland Pilots Men's Soccer team will begin its 2026 campaign on August 21, hosting the California Golden Bears at Merlo Field in Portland, Oregon. The match marks the first test for a squad that finished the previous season with a program‑best 14‑2‑4 record and a sixth‑place ranking in the United Soccer Coaches preseason poll.
That 2025 campaign was a turning point for the Pilots, who posted a .800 win percentage, recorded the most home victories in school history and earned a top‑10 preseason ranking for the first time since 1988. The team also secured a first‑round bye in the NCAA Tournament and advanced to the quarterfinals in two of the last four seasons, underscoring a consistent ability to compete on the national stage.
Head coach Carlin‑Voigt, who has guided the program to multiple conference titles, will lean on a core that includes midfielder Diego Rosas, who holds the school record for assists and was named WCC Midfielder of the Year in 2025, and forward Joe Highfield, the team’s leading scorer with 11 goals and five assists who earned All‑WCC First Team honors. Forward Miguel‑Angel Hernandez, an All‑WCC Second Team selection, will also provide depth after a strong defensive record that featured a .624 goals‑against average.
The Pilots’ recruiting class, ranked 14th among Division I programs by TopDrawerSoccer, adds fresh talent that could extend the roster’s depth. Among the newcomers, several have already drawn praise for their technical ability and tactical versatility, positioning the team to maintain its upward trajectory.
California arrives in Portland after a modest 8‑8‑2 overall record and a 2‑5‑1 mark in ACC play. The Golden Bears last met the Pilots at Merlo Field, where Portland posted a 2‑0 victory, and they will look to reverse that result when they take the field on August 21.
A historic program poised for another strong season
With a blend of seasoned veterans, award‑winning players and a promising recruiting class, the Pilots enter the new season with high expectations. The coaching staff, led by Carlin‑Voigt, brings a track record of success that includes developing alumni who have gone on to professional careers, such as former goalkeeper Luis Robles, who was named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year in 2015. As the team prepares for its opener, the stage is set for another memorable chapter in Portland soccer.