Diego Rosas, midfielder for the Portland Pilots, has been named to the 2026 United Soccer Coaches Midfielders to Watch list, showcasing his talent ahead of the upcoming season. This distinction marks him as the second player from the Pilots on a positional watch list for this preseason, joining goalkeeper Miguel-Angel Hernandez. Coming off a remarkable season where he led the nation with 15 assists and set a program record, Rosas has garnered multiple accolades, including WCC Midfielder of the Year. The Pilots, ranked sixth in the United Soccer Coaches Preseason Top 25, are gearing up for the 2026 season with three exhibition matches before their opener against California on August 21.

By the Numbers
  • Rosas led the nation in assists with 15 last season.
  • Portland Pilots enter the 2026 season ranked 6th, their highest preseason ranking since 1996.
State of Play
  • The Pilots are preparing for three exhibition matches, including scrimmages against Seattle U and Oregon State.
  • The regular season starts on August 21 against the California Golden Bears.
What's Next

Fans can expect to see Rosas in action during the upcoming pre-season exhibition matches, which could enhance his visibility and further solidify his reputation as a key midfielder heading into the competitive season.

Bottom Line

Rosas' inclusion on the watch list not only highlights his past achievements but also sets high expectations for his contributions in the upcoming season, as the Pilots aim to build on a strong 2025 campaign.