WINONA LAKE, Ind. - Few programs can boast the sustained success that Grace's men's soccer team has enjoyed over the past few years.

The Lancers have made four NAIA national tournament appearances since 2020 under head coach Arron Patrick and have been consistently ranked in the NAIA Top 25.

Patrick's squad posted a 16-7-3 record last year, upsetting five ranked teams and reaching the finals of the Crossroads League Tournament and the NCCAA National Championships.

Grace graduated a number of key players from last year; the Lancers lost 60 percent of their goals from a season ago. 

But Patrick is confident that the 2026 squad has struck the right balance of returning players and dynamic newcomers.

Grace will lean on a stout defense to stabilize the team. The Lancers surrendered less than a goal per game last fall and posted 12 shutouts.

Vasco Tavares led the back line as an NAIA Third Team All-American honoree last year; he is the team's top returning goal contributor (four goals, three assists). Miguel Lourenco and Osmildo Estrela were regulars at the defensive positions and return to give Grace stability in front of goal.

The Lancers have a deep goalkeeping unit as well. Pedro Galante and Ben Kenn each started at least 10 games last year, joining freshman Louie Aldus and sophomore Rafael Sabas.

"We should be very good defensively. That group has the potential to be the best in the country," Patrick said. "The new defenders we've added are very talented as well. This group can pass the ball and run well."

The midfield will lean on returners Julian Saldivar and Tyler Casado, who have experience directing Grace's possession. Salvidar logged over 1,800 minutes last year and is "like having another coach on the field," in Patrick's eyes. 

The attacking unit will have the most change. While the forwards and wingers may be filled with new faces, Patrick sees the group having a unique advantage of being adaptable. 

Grace has typically had a primary goalscorer through which to direct its attack. But this year, the Lancers will attack in numbers and in variety. Sebastian Lozano (two goals, five assists) and Teague Misner (five assists) lead the returners from a statistical standpoint.

"We will attack as a group this year. We can change how we play and attack based on what the opposition gives us," Patrick added. "We'll have goals by committee this year rather than one standout guy. I'm excited to see the guys share the load and see which ones step up each game."

The newcomers as a whole are raising the floor of the Lancers in significant ways. Patrick called the incoming class of nine players one of the best in team history.

"This is probably the most physically and technically gifted class that we've had in awhile," he said. "They have a great foundation; we need to nurture that and get these guys up to speed tactically. The whole group can contribute right away."

The Lancers, in their usual modus operandi, have put together a challenging schedule. Grace will take on six ranked opponents from the NAIA preseason poll. The team will also play five of its eight nonconference games away from home.

The gauntlet of challenging opponents has helped the Lancers reach and maintain ranked status, a trend the Lancers are aiming to continue this fall. Grace is ranked No. 22 in the NAIA's preseason poll, which was released on Wednesday afternoon.

Patrick was pleased with how the team was coming together so far during the preseason. But he celebrated even more how the team was growing in their spiritual lives.

The team has been concentrating on stewardship and discipline as their first two focuses during the preseason. He noted how hungry the men were to learn and grow in their faith.

"People have worked really hard to build this program over the years. So we are learning stewardship to understand what we've been blessed with," Patrick said. "Discipline translates to the field as well, giving each person responsibility for our program. This group has been hungry to grow spiritually. They are actively pursuing God, which is really encouraging."

The Lancers will begin their season this week on the road. Grace travels to play Northwestern Ohio on Thursday (2:30 p.m.) and St. Xavier on Saturday (11 a.m.). 

Grace's home opener is slated for Sept. 5 against Midland at 5 p.m.