Pacific Index

Senior Defender Caden Matsumoto reflects on his time with Pacific Soccer

For senior defender Caden Matsumoto, soccer is all about making connections. In fact, that’s why he started playing in the first place as a six year old. “I went to a super small school growing up, so I think it was a way for me to gain more connections and friends outside of school,” he said. Connection was also a big factor in his decision to attend Pacific in the first place. His older sister had attended Pacific, and being from Hawaii he appreciated the school’s special bond with Hawaiian culture.

For Matsumoto, it was a much appreciated opportunity to get to play college soccer, but a higher level also leads to increased expectations. These came both from his coaches and fellow players, as well as himself. Something especially important for Matsumoto was the focus that you had to put in over the offseason. “No one’s going to be there to tell you what to do,” he said. “Having that self-drive and self-motivation was something that kind of stuck with me.”

For soccer, staying fit and improving your game over the offseason might seem tedious, but it’s a necessary sacrifice. Being a senior, Matsumoto knows that if you don’t put in the work, you’ll regret it. “You look back on everything and create what-if scenarios, like “I could’ve done this better, I could’ve played better.” that’s kind of what you think of during the offseason,” he posited.

For a defender, scoring a goal is more of a special moment than it would be for almost anyone else on the pitch, and Matsumoto’s fondest memory on the field definitely backs that statement up well. “My favorite memory was last year, scoring against George Fox,” he said happily. Opportunities to take shots on goal don’t come often for the senior, so he has to take advantage when he gets them. “When I get the chance to, it means a lot more.”

With only two games left in the 2026 season, the Pacific senior’s college soccer career is coming to an end. Although it can be sad to have important things in life come to a close, Matsumoto wants to cherish the time that is there. “I just want to get the most out of it, to enjoy every little moment that I have left,” he said. “I gave it everything I had, so I’m happy with the way it’s about to end.” Matsumoto’s family is flying in from Hawaii for senior night, which will be a big moment for not just him, but them too. “They’ve definitely sacrificed a lot, and spent a lot of resources for me to keep playing,” he praised. “It’s all adding up in these last few games.”

Despite being a defender, Matsumoto’s idol is Cristiano Ronaldo. Unlike most people though, Matsumoto’s reasons for liking him aren’t grounded in flashiness, but in discipline. “His work ethic is what inspired me a lot, and it plays a huge part in what I do.” Matsumoto also praised the legend’s mental strength and views it as something he strives towards.

Something that Matsumoto has enjoyed seeing is how much the team has grown since his senior year in high school. “I was looking at our record, and we were at the bottom of the table, so seeing how much the program has improved since then means a lot,” he said. “If I can continue to see them climbing in the upwards direction that would mean a lot to me.” Pacific has a very young team this year, and Matsumoto has been thoroughly impressed with what he’s seen so far from the freshmen class. “I think they just came in here without fear,” he stated matter-of-factly. “They adjusted super fast, got used to the cultures and the environment, and they worked really hard.” The good news for Pacific is that these young stars will shine even brighter as they continue to improve.

The Boxers seem to be putting it all together at the perfect time, as they beat Whitworth 2-1 in Spokane on October 25, with Matsumoto assisting the winning goal. “It was the first time in my four years getting a W at Whitworth, so it meant a lot,” he said contently.