UC Davis has unveiled its inaugural Mountain West Men’s Soccer Watch List, spotlighting three standout Aggies who are expected to shape the team’s campaign heading into the 2026 season.
Preseason Watch List Highlights
Freshmen defenders Nami Banks and Josh Gault join junior midfielder Rafael Matiello on the list, each bringing a blend of experience and promise that could prove pivotal for the Aggies.
Banks, a sophomore defender, appeared in all 19 matches last season, starting 18 and earning Big West All‑Freshman Team honors after netting two goals in a 3‑2 victory over UC Riverside.
Gault, also a sophomore defender, logged 1,449 minutes across 19 appearances, including full 90‑minute outings and extended play in the Big West Tournament quarterfinal, underscoring his durability and defensive reliability.
Matiello, a junior midfielder, enters his third year after a strong freshman campaign in which he scored three goals in 16 games, highlighted by a two‑goal performance against Cal State Fullerton.
Poll Position and Offensive Firepower
The Aggies were placed third in the Mountain West preseason coaches’ poll with 15 points, trailing Grand Canyon and San José State, each receiving 22 points.
Last season the team averaged 15.3 shots per match, ranking 21st nationally and second in the Big West, while posting a 3‑0‑1 conference record and reaching the tournament semifinals.
Coaching Legacy and Schedule Outlook
Head coach Dwayne Shaffer, a veteran with 269 career victories and 30 years at UC Davis, brings a wealth of experience that bodes well for the squad’s development.
The Aggies will open with an exhibition against Cal on August 13, followed by a match versus Chico State on August 16, before launching their regular season at Sacramento State on August 20 and beginning Mountain West play on September 26.