Emotions ran high after the Roos Men’s Soccer team defeated the Denver Pioneers 5-4 in penalty kicks in the semifinals of the 2023 Summit League Men’s Soccer Tournament. The team had just beat the 23rd-ranked team in the nation, after all.
However, two days later, Kansas City would fall to the Omaha Mavericks 2-0 to end 2023.
Now, the team is preparing to enter the 2024 season. Some familiar faces from previous seasons return and some new freshmen or transfers make their way to UMKC.
While the roster on the Kansas City Athletics site is not fully up to date (they are aiming for an August completion date), fans will be able to see a handful of the returning players.
Among those returning are the top three point scorers last season: sophomore midfielder Hector Taboada and sophomore forward Brice Middleton, who had three goals and two assists each, senior and midfielder Julien Le Bourdoulous, who scored three goals and had six assists.
“Obviously we expect more from those guys,” Pore said. “We’re excited they’re playing for us and continuing to grow. We started five freshmen in the final and that’s not easy to do. But all five returned and we’re excited for their future.”
On the flip side, neither of the goalkeepers that played last season are returning. Both Robin Balters and Stefano Camerlengo are out. Meanwhile, senior goalkeeper Brandon McGaugh and sophomore goalkeeper Adam Lansdown are in.
An odd quirk of this season is that there are only five Summit League men’s soccer teams. The Oral Roberts Golden Eagles, Denver Pioneers, Omaha Mavericks, St. Thomas Tommies, and Kansas City Roos make up the conference now. As a result, the eight conference games will be played in a double round-robin format. Each opponent will be played twice.
“The double round-robin made sense,” Pore said. “It’s a very challenging schedule and a very challenging conference – One we’re very excited about. Travel is very easy for us.”
In 2025, the Summit League will be adding Delaware to the men’s soccer conference. So, travel will be harder for that game. But, this challenging schedule should make for a fun season.
“We have high expectations for our players,” said head coach Ryan Pore. “Our four pillars are to be respectful, to be organized, open-minded, and ready for sudden change. We don’t just want our guys to compete on the soccer field, but to compete in the classroom too.”
Tickets for the exhibition matches against Missouri Valley on Aug. 12 and Central Arkansas on Aug. 16 are on sale now. For all fall sports, all season, kids 12 and under will be able to enter for free.
