The Portland Pilots men's soccer team is projected to finish first in the 2026 West Coast Conference Coaches Preseason Poll, having been ranked at the top for the second time in four years. Four players—David Ajagbe, Efe Aror, Joe Highfield, and Diego Rosas—have earned spots on the All-WCC Preseason Team, matching a program record. Ajagbe led last season with 10 goals, while Rosas set a new program record with 15 assists and was named WCC Midfielder of the Year. The team received a total of 62 points and six first-place votes.

By the Numbers
  • Portland secured 62 points and six first-place votes in the preseason poll.
  • David Ajagbe scored 10 goals, ranking third in the WCC for goals.
  • Diego Rosas had a record 15 assists in 2025, leading the nation in assists per game at 0.75.
State of Play
  • Portland has dominated the preseason rankings, indicating strong expectations for the upcoming season.
  • The Pilots will face Denver for the first time as conference opponents on Oct. 17.
  • They will play two exhibition matches prior to the season opener against Cal on Aug. 21.
What's Next

The Pilots aim to leverage their preseason ranking and player accolades for a strong start in the season opener against Cal. Maintaining these performances will be crucial as they prepare for competitive matches against San Diego and Denver later in the season.

Bottom Line

As the Pilots gear up for the season, their strong preseason ranking and individual player achievements highlight a promising year ahead. Success will depend on harnessing this momentum through early matches and maintaining high performance levels throughout the conference schedule.