The Chaminade University men’s soccer team is getting amped for the season opener against Cal Poly Humboldt University on Thursday. The game kicks off at 2 p.m. on St. Louis Field.
Having played two exhibition games in preparation for the Silverswords season, the players feel confident and ready for this season to start. The results in the exhibitions were a tie and a loss against Whitworth on August 31. Chaminade, coming off a 1-7-3 season, was picked last in the PacWest preseason coaches’ poll.
To try something new this season, the Silverswords are incorporating a 4-2-2-2 system for the first time. Senior captain Owen Caba said the team’s ability to stay positive and connected in the exhibition game against Whitworth was a sign of progress.
“I was very proud of my teammates this weekend,” Caba said. “We tried out a new formation, and for the most part, things went pretty well. We’ve got a great group of guys this year who were able to maintain energy and positivity throughout the game, which is a bit of a change from previous years.”
The team is fairly new, with nine transfers, four freshmen, and only two seniors who have been at Chaminade for all four years. Caba emphasized that these early matches are more than results; it’s about building chemistry, evaluating lineups, giving players minutes, and preparing for the higher level of competition.
Along with refining their system of play, the Silverswords are also counting on a mix of veterans and newcomers to make an impact this season. Caba said the new front line of transfers Jedidiah Griffin and Vlad Tomutiu could be a difference maker.
“We have a new front line, and I think that’s always exciting for teams,” Caba said. “Forwards are those who lead the team, who score goals, who are often the ones in the headlines, and that does come with pressure, but we brought in two guys who I believe can handle that pressure. [Griffin and Tomutiu] … are two strong personalities, both of them coming from really good programs in California.”
Veteran players are also set to anchor the squad. Assistant coach Evan Walters highlighted several returning leaders, including Caba, junior midfielder Kala’i Duncan, and fifth-year Oliver Horgan.
“Owen is close to breaking the points record and assist career goals. We’re really excited to see what he could do this year,” said Walters. “As well as the returner Kala’i Duncan in the middle, who was one of our best players last year, in and out of every single game. We’re also excited for Oliver Horgan to return this year. He’s been a backbone of the back line for the past season, and we expect a lot from him.”
Chaminade also added defensive depth with the transfer of Alex Martinez, who came from a junior college in Louisiana. Martinez was brought in as a center back or outside mid, but took one for the team and adjusted to be the Swords’ center back.
“He’s been lights out since he’s been playing there,” said Walters.
Despite the last-place preseason ranking, the Silverswords haven’t let outside noise discourage them. Instead, they’ve turned it into motivation. With a mix of transfers, freshmen, and experienced returners, the team has set high expectations for itself.
“Pressure is a privilege,” said Caba. “We’ve put expectations on ourselves because we believe this group has the potential to compete for goals this program has never reached before. That’s why every match matters.”