The USAO Men's Soccer team finished the 2025-26 season with a record of 6-6-5, following a strong 4-1-3 start in non-conference play. Key performances came from first-team all-conference players Thato Lekgetho and Matija Malenovic, who combined for 17 goals. Head Coach Tony Orsi noted the team's challenges in transitioning with a young roster and emphasized the importance of experience gained throughout the season. The Drovers also garnered a SAC Scholar Team recognition for maintaining a 3.10 GPA.

By the Numbers
  • 6 wins, 6 losses, and 5 draws in the overall season record.
  • 12 goals and 25 points scored by Matija Malenovic, leading the conference in both categories.
  • 5 goals and 12 points contributed by freshman Thato Lekgetho.
  • Team GPA of 3.10, earning recognition as a SAC Scholar Team.
Yes, But

While the team had notable victories, they also faced challenges due to the high turnover of players and coaching staff, which affected overall consistency. The combination of inexperienced players resulted in unexpected losses, illustrating the need for gradual team development.

State of Play
  • Team successfully integrated 17 freshmen into competitive roles, gaining valuable experience.
  • 12 reserve players moved up to the first team, contributing significant minutes this season.
  • Coaching staff focused on recalibrating team culture and standards following the graduation of 18 seniors.
What's Next

Looking ahead, the Drovers aim to build on their experiences from this season, focusing on further developing their young talent. With a stronger reserve team and incoming recruits, improvements in performance and consistency are anticipated in the next season.

Bottom Line

The 2025-26 season lay foundational work for the future of USAO Men's Soccer, emphasizing the importance of resilience and establishing a competitive culture. As the team continues to grow, their commitment to developing young players will be crucial for future success.