Pacific Index

Men’s soccer is looking sharp in the early season

The Pacific University men’s soccer team entered this fall with plenty of determination. After graduating a core of reliable veterans, the Boxers have found new faces and coaxed out emerging leaders to keep their season on track.

Head Coach Brandon Porter admitted that the transition was significant, but he’s been encouraged by the way his squad has responded. “Everybody thinks we lost a lot of players, and we did,” Porter said. “But more than that, I think we lost some really reliable players, guys who were great teammates and leaders. We’ve turned a new page, and people are stepping into those roles. A little adversity early in the season forced people to step outside their comfort zones, and that’s kind of what we were hoping for.”

Among the early bright spots has been freshman goalkeeper Kobe Miyamoto, who has already made his presence felt. “Kobe’s done a great job in goal,” Porter commented. “We’re happy that he’s really emerged.” Another newcomer, Trenton Zimmerman, has also impressed with his athleticism and confidence, adjusting quickly to the college game.

The off-season was spent with an emphasis on playing ball, rather than straight fitness training. Getting time playing the sport they love is a great way to improve and get better, though coach Porter acknowledged the players came into camp less fit than he would have liked. Still, he believes the difficult non-conference schedule was exactly what they needed.

“I think scheduling hard opponents comes with challenges where you can get a little discouraged,” he said. “But it’s better to face tougher teams to figure out where you’re truly at, so you don’t get a false identity. Nobody hung their heads, and it’s starting to come together.”

One of Pacific’s defining qualities so far has been their tactical flexibility. “From top down, we are very adaptable,” Porter explained. “Every time we’ve changed formations, it’s been received well and executed well. That’s something I’m really happy about.”

Defensively, the Boxers continue to build on their reputation as a tough opponent. “We hang our hat on being a really sound defensive team,” he expressed. “Within the conference, everybody understands it’s not an easy game against us. They’re going to get roughed up a little bit, and we’ll do whatever it takes to defend well.”

On the attacking side, Pacific is still searching for consistency in front of the goal. While forward Adam Landy, now fully healthy after shoulder surgery, provides a focal point. Porter emphasized that scoring will need to be spread across multiple players. Transfer playmaker Nico Lamonto and captains Noah Gosch and Tyler Scott in the midfield are also expected to drive the offense, while outside back Caden Matsumoto is ready for a breakout season.

Porter knows Pacific’s best soccer is still ahead. Historically, his teams have gained momentum in the second half of the season, when fitness sharpens and execution improves. “We tend to peak towards the end of the season,” he said. “We’ve had close ties and losses early on, but as we get our legs under us, those little things, the good crosses, the sharpness in attack will start to come together. And I think we’re a little ahead of schedule this year.”

If he had to sum up his team in one word, coach Porter didn’t hesitate: “Versatility.” He then added a few more clarifying words: “Individuals have been very versatile, and people have accepted different roles,” he commended. “Everybody’s game for it, and that’s probably the word I’d use to describe this team.”