The University of Dallas men’s soccer team has had a champion mindset so far this season. They won their home opener on Sept. 1 against Arlington Baptist University with a final score of 4-1, then followed with another 4-1 home victory against Howard Payne University on Sept. 5.
Their win against Arlington Baptist marks their first victory since the 2024 season. According to Captain Landon Bourgoine, the whole team has contributed to their success. So far those who have scored a goal include freshmen Brendan Gillum, Edi San Roman and Joseph Aziz, along with juniors Landon Bourgoine and Ryan Dahl and grad student Andi San Roman. Aziz has scored five goals in his first season with the Crusaders.
When asked about the strongest qualities of the team this season, Bourgoine said, “Everyone works hard in the game. Everyone does their job.” He commented that a lot of progress has come from being prepared for games, watching film, holding each other accountable and being attentive to head coach, Chase Reynolds.
When asked how Coach Reynolds has improved the team this season, Bourgoine said, “He’s implemented a really good culture here. A winning culture. Pushing us to give 110% every practice.” Bourgoine also emphasized Reynold’s recruitment process and his ability to get new players. Bourgoine stated that “was really valuable for this year, especially with the numbers we had coming into the season.”
The Crusaders’ current roster features 16 freshmen compared to just 12 returning players. Bourgoine commented that the team gets along well and that “comradery was built quickly.” In order to build community, pre-season practices were held for players in the area, and returning players had the chance to meet the incoming freshmen.
Freshman goalie Kabe Bylaw, said that pre-season was a lot of fun. It involved fitness tests and getting to know the team. Bylaw said, “Pre-season was hard but prepared us to go 2-0 in our first two games.” He said it needed to be tough with what Coach Reynolds was trying to build. This season, the team is focusing on building a strong team identity.
When asked what he wanted out of the season, Bourgoine said, “As a team, our goal is to make playoffs this year and have positive growth moving forward.” He wants to focus on building culture, and fostering “a winning atmosphere.”
When asked how he felt about winning two games to start the season, Bourgoine said, “It felt really, really, really good. It’s been basically two whole seasons since I won a game. And it was cool seeing all the fans there to witness us win two games at home. It was special for me and especially for all the upperclassmen.”
Bourgoine said that as the season progresses, he is “really excited for this freshmen group. They bring a lot of competitiveness to our team. I’m looking forward to the program being built off of them.” With their competitive environment and intensity, they’re shaping up to be a championship team.
When asked what he’s most excited about this season, Bylaw said, “Making the tournament. Hopefully winning the tournament.” He’s looking forward to progress and getting better every day. “We have lots of hope now. Ambitions are high,” Bylaw said. In his words, “The sky’s the limit ahead.”
The men’s soccer team has 10 games left in the season. Their next home game will be on Sept. 25 at 5p.m. against Randall University. Their blueout game will be on Oct. 9 at 5p.m. against Centenary College. Please come out and support the UD men’s soccer team as they create their winning atmosphere!