The 2020 college soccer season is finally underway, in the early winter of 2021. But at least college soccer is back. During the 2019 season we saw St. Mary’s making the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Div II, Trinity is a perennial powerhouse in NCAA Div III, OLLU won their conference and advanced to the semi-final round in the Red River Conference tournament. UIW men’s also made strides and improved.
College soccer is definitely a team sport but in every team there is one or two players that rise above the rest. This season we look for the rising stars that could make a huge impact season. Here’s the breakdown who we think could be the taking it to the next level.
University of Incarnate Word Cardinals
Wilmar Aguilar – Freshman
The LEE graduate decided to stay local and attend UIW. Earned a spot in the starting XI in UIW’s first match which ended in a 3-2 win over UNLV.
Nils Roth – Junior
The Goalkeeper from Switzerland transferred from Pima CC which won the NJCAA National Championship. Was an All American and transferred this year to UIW. Made start in first match recording 8 saves in the win over UNLV.
St. Mary’s University Rattlers
Alonso Rodriguez – Junior
Already looks like he could be playing at the professional level. The Striker from Salamanca Spain scored in his debut versus OLLU and it was a fantastic finish. With Ollie Wright moving on to play for San Antonio FC, look for Alonso to be the scoring leader this season and possibly take St. Mary’s past the NCAA Sweet 16 and be a serious threat to win the NCAA Division II title.
Dani Gimena – Freshman
Highly touted by Head Coach Johnny Clifford, he is our second Spaniard on the list along with Alonso. Dani could be breaking scoring records by the time he graduates from St. Mary’s.
Trinity University Tigers
Philip Duenez – Junior
An impressive sophomore season, look for Philip to take the leadership role and score more goals this season. Looks to be the in the regular starting XI this season. Scored 7 Goals and 2 Assists in 2019.
Colton Wilbur – Sophomore
As a Freshman, started in 15 of 18 matches as a defender. Says a lot that Head Coach Paul McGinlay entrusted Colton to start and be a pivotal piece of the defense as a Freshman. Colton recorded 3 Assists.
Our Lake of the Lake Saints
Norberto Lira – Junior
The MacArthur grad could be set for a breakout season as a Junior. The Center Attacking Midfielder has 4 Goals through his two season and has started in 28 of the 30 matches he has played since Freshman year.
Mitchell Medrano – Senior
As a Junior, Medrano appeared in 18 matches and 1 start but was extremely effective coming in scoring 5 Goals and 4 Assists in the 2019 season.
Keep an eye out on these players this season, as all these teams will be competitive. We’ll be back at the end of the college season to update on how these player progressed. Keep it locked on soysaf.com for all the latest.
Soy San Antonio Fútbol 
Just heard Josh Yarro is not coming back to SAFC
On Tue, Feb 23, 2021, 5:34 PM Soy San Antonio Fútbol wrote:
> Miguel Padilla posted: ” The 2020 college soccer season is finally > underway, in the early winter of 2021. But at least college soccer is back. > During the 2019 season we saw St. Mary’s making the Sweet 16 in the NCAA > Div II, Trinity is a perennial powerhouse in NCAA Div III, OLLU” >
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