JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WCYB) — ETSU Men’s Soccer is preparing for that they hope is a big season on the pitch.
After finishing the 2025 season with an overall record of 2-9-4, the Bucs are hoping to get off to a hot start with some of the new faces on the program.
Head Coach Allen Vital believes that the squad has a few different strengths heading into the season.
“The work ethic, we have lots of quality players,” Vital said. “The guys have been working together, working very hard.”
A few of the Bucs had the opportunity to spend the summer with Bristol Rhythm AFC, making it all the way to the NPSL Championship Game.
One of the Bucs’ stars who was on that team is Noe Delmotte, who earned the NPSL Golden Glove award.
He says that the award has given him more confidence heading into the year.
“The goalkeeper position, like I say sometimes, it’s not even about technical abilities it is mostly about the mental aspects,” Delmotte said. “Having the national recognition, is great.”
Another star for the Rhythm was Hugo Martinez who anchored the back line.
Although the Dalton State transfer is new to the program, he believes that the team has the mindset to compete.
“Just believing, I think believing is one of the big words we talk about,” Martinez said. “We have to believe we’re going to win.”
The Bucs will kick off the season on Aug. 20 against Queens.