LAREDO, Texas – With increased depth, added maturity and an attacking mindset, Texas A&M International University men's soccer enters the 2026 season looking to take a step forward under head coach Claudio Arias.
The Dustdevils return to the pitch after finishing the 2025 campaign 3-9-5 overall and 1-8-1 in Lone Star Conference play. TAMIU found more success outside the conference, posting a 2-1-4 non-conference record, but struggled once LSC play began.
Despite being selected 11th in the 2026 LSC Men's Soccer Preseason Poll, Arias believes this year's group is better equipped to compete.
"Time will tell but I believe we are in a better situation to compete this year compared to this point last year," Arias said.
Arias points to increased depth off the bench and greater maturity throughout the roster as two of the biggest differences from a season ago.
Fans can also expect an aggressive approach from the Dustdevils.
"We will be fun to watch," Arias said. "We will play offensive soccer."
Three Dustdevils Named LSC Preseason Players to Watch
TAMIU enters the season with three LSC Preseason Players to Watch in sophomore forward Antonio Schauer, sophomore defender Jorge Delgado and senior goalkeeper Nicklas Berg-Eriksen.
Schauer was named TAMIU's Offensive Player to Watch after appearing in 15 matches during his freshman campaign. He scored two goals on 15 shots, with seven of those attempts landing on goal.
Delgado earned Defensive Player to Watch recognition after gaining significant experience as a freshman. The Houston native appeared in all 17 matches for the Dustdevils in 2025.
Berg-Eriksen represents TAMIU as its Goalkeeper to Watch. The Oslo, Norway, native appeared in four matches last season, logging 193:49 in goal and posting a 1-0-1 record.
While the trio enters the year with preseason recognition, Arias believes there are plenty of other names capable of making an impact.
"I hope they have their best season of their life but there are many others that people should pay attention to," Arias said.
Experience Returns
The Dustdevils return several players who gained valuable minutes during the 2025 campaign.
Senior defender Heiko Drömer returns after appearing in 16 matches and scoring two goals last season, including one game-winner. Sophomores Michael Ochoche, Jhon Marulanda and Rafael Zaic also return after seeing action during their freshman seasons.
The 2026 roster also includes experienced newcomers in junior goalkeeper Benjamin Hafner, junior defender Yannick Papenhagen, junior forward Jaime Martinez and junior forward Juan Esteban Guerrero, while senior forward Juan Perez de Vargas adds another veteran presence to the attack.
That returning experience will be paired with a sizable group of newcomers as TAMIU looks to build upon an offense that scored 24 goals in 17 matches last season. The Dustdevils averaged 1.41 goals and 10.6 shots per game while generating 82 corner kicks, 15 more than their opponents.
New Faces Join the Dustdevils
TAMIU's roster features a large freshman class, including several players with ties to Laredo.
Midfielders Abner Zuniga, Ricardo De La Fuente and Luis Guzman, along with defender Leo Almanza, give the Dustdevils four freshmen from Laredo. De La Fuente, Guzman and Almanza arrive at TAMIU from J.B. Alexander High School.
The freshman class also adds an international presence with midfielder Wade Melville of Auckland, New Zealand; defender Luca McHugh of Middlesbrough, England; Severin Hager of Vöcklamarkt, Austria; and forward Kamal Zulfiyev of Saray, Azerbaijan.
The combination of newcomers and returning experience gives Arias the added depth he believes can make a difference as the season progresses.
A Challenging Road Ahead
The Dustdevils will be tested immediately, beginning the season with back-to-back road contests.
TAMIU opens its 2026 campaign Thursday, Aug. 27, at 7 p.m. against St. Edward's in Austin before traveling to Livingston, Ala., to face West Alabama on Monday, Aug. 31. The Dustdevils make their home debut Saturday, Sept. 5, when they welcome Sul Ross State to Dustdevil Soccer Field for a 2 p.m. kickoff.
Another significant road test follows with a trip to California. TAMIU faces Cal State Dominguez Hills on Sept. 11 in Carson before traveling to Cal State San Bernardino on Sept. 13.
The Dustdevils return home for contests against UT Dallas on Sept. 19 and West Texas A&M on Sept. 23 before traveling to Midwestern State on Sept. 26. TAMIU closes September at home against Lubbock Christian on Sept. 30.
October features home matches against St. Mary's, UT Tyler and UT Dallas, along with road trips to Sul Ross State, St. Edward's and Oklahoma Christian. TAMIU concludes its listed regular-season schedule Wednesday, Oct. 28, against Dallas Baptist in Dallas.
As TAMIU looks to move forward from last season, Arias wants the identity of the 2026 Dustdevils to extend beyond results.
"Humility, hard work, consistency, discipline, and being brave," Arias said of what he wants his team to be known for.
With a deeper roster, experienced returners and a large group of newcomers, the Dustdevils will get their first opportunity to put that identity on display Thursday night when the 2026 season begins in Austin.
Fans can follow TAMIU men's soccer throughout the 2026 season on the official TAMIU Athletics social media channels for the latest news, scores and updates.
