Men's Soccer | 08.18.2026

RICHARDSON, Texas (August 18, 2026) – The Lubbock Christian University men's soccer team was picked to finish fifth in the Lone Star Conference Preseason Poll, which was released on Tuesday.
 
It is LCU's highest ranking in the preseason poll since 2022, when they were also picked fourth. The Chaps drew 241 points in the poll, including one first place vote. The poll is voted on by LSC head coaches, sports information directors and media members.
 
The league also released its annual list of Players to Watch, which featured three Chaparrals. Midfielder Alex Lachevre was named an Offensive Player to Watch, and fellow newcomer Milo Paci was named a Goalkeeper to Watch. One of LCU's 2026 captains, Joao Catafesta, was named a Defensive Player to Watch.
 
Midwestern State led the poll with 351 points and 30 first place votes after winning the national championship last season. St. Edward's was slated second and UT Dallas was the final team placed ahead of the Chaps. MSU also swept the league's Preseason Offensive, Defensive and Goalkeeper of the Year awards.
 
The top six teams by points at the end of the regular season will advance to the LSC Tournament, which will be hosted Nov. 8-15. The quarterfinal matchups will be hosted by the No. 3 and No. 4 seeds, semifinals are hosted by the No. 1 and No. 2 seed; and title match will be hosted by the highest remaining seed.
 
Lubbock Christian finished the 2025 season with an 8-8-4 overall record, advancing to the Lone Star Conference Tournament final for the second time in program history. The Chaps are in the middle of preseason play right now and will start the regular season on August 27 at the LCU Soccer & Track Complex against Fort Lewis.