ETSU Soccer: Underdogs Ready to Upset SoCon

ETSU men's soccer is preparing for the 2026 season with a determined underdog mindset under third-year head coach Allen Vital. The Buccaneers, who finished 2-9-4 in 2025, were projected to finish sixth in the Southern Conference preseason poll.

Several key players gained significant experience during the summer, competing with Bristol Rhythm AFC in the National Premier Soccer League. This team reached the NPSL National Championship game, finishing as runner-up, and the Bucs hope to leverage this competitive edge.

Coach Vital's primary objective is to elevate the ETSU program back to its historical standing as a top contender within the league. The ultimate goal is to secure a spot in the conference tournament, which leads to the national tournament.

The Buccaneers will commence their 2026 campaign on Thursday, facing Queens on the road. Junior defender Hugo Martinez expressed the team's motivation, stating, "Everybody's looking at us like an easy team to beat. So, I think it's going to be a lot of upsets this year."