DUBUQUE, Iowa – The Loras College men's soccer team will begin its 2026 season with a home match against Augsburg University on Sept. 1 at 5:30 p.m.

After seeing its 2025 season come to an end in the American Rivers Conference Tournament semifinals, Loras enters the new season picked to finish second in the A-R-C Preseason Coaches' Poll.

For head coach Nick Rizzo, returning to his alma mater brings an opportunity to continue building a program he once represented while setting the standard for its next chapter.

"Our goal is to compete to be near the top in both the conference and the region," Rizzo said. "We want to continue the tradition of success with the men's soccer program and establish an identity that no opponent wants to play against."

The Duhawks return an experienced group highlighted by 2025 All-Conference performers Alexander Drexler, Sep Heerkens, and Joseph Sorce.

Drexler returns between the posts following an impressive debut season in which he was named the A-R-C Rookie of the Year. The goalkeeper posted an 11-2-4 record while making 78 saves and recording a .839 save percentage during his freshman campaign.

In front of him, Loras brings back plenty of offensive production. Heerkens enters the year as the Duhawks' leading returning goal scorer after finding the back of the net 10 times last season. Sorce will look to build upon a strong freshman campaign of his own after totaling four goals and seven assists across 19 appearances.

The Duhawks also return Zack Liddell, Christopher Hastert, Maximilian Stalenczyk and Gavin Pienkowski who will play some big minutes in the Duhawks back line.

After the match up with Augsburg, Loras wil travel to Dominican University (Ill.) on Sept. 4, before returning home to face off against Westminster College (Mo.) on Sept. 8.