USU Men’s Soccer Club’s journey from struggle to success
Utah State University’s men’s club soccer team has achieved an unprecedented level of success so far in the 2025 season. After a disappointing prior few seasons, the Aggies have qualified for the West Coast Soccer Association regional tournament for the first time in two years. The Aggies currently have a 7-4-1 record with one more game to play in the regular season.
Many of the upperclassmen on the team have been a part of this team’s journey, having seen the team rise from some of its lowest points to its newfound success.
“My freshman year, we were really good. Then, the past two years, we had to go through a coaching change after our head coach got fired. Along with that, the team struggled to develop a strong identity,” said senior defensive midfielder Danny Anderson. “Because of that, the past few years we’ve kind of been a middle-of-the-pack team. Now we’re pushing for the top of the league.”
When it comes to the improvements the Aggies have made, many of the players point towards the team identity that they have created, focused on a team-over-individual mentality.
“I think the chemistry on the team is a lot better than it was last year. We’re all kind of there for each other,” said sophomore goalie Josh Roylance. “We made some pickups this year of some outstanding players that have really helped us a lot, but more than anything, we just all believe in each other.”
This new mentality has helped the team stay strong throughout the ups and downs of the season, especially in tough stretches like last week’s games. Facing off with rival Brigham Young University on Oct.17, the Aggies suffered a tough loss to the Cougars. Despite the setback, the USU team rallied together on Oct. 19 to take down Boise State University 3-2, helping the team rebound from the loss and showcase their grit.
“We’re a pretty resilient team. I think that’s something that’s kind of defined us this year. One example is when we lost to Utah in a game that we should have won, and then we played Weber State, who was in first place at the time, and we beat them,” Anderson said. “This year, we’ve had a strong ability to bounce back. When we’ve lost, we brush it under the rug and move on to the next game.”
In addition to the team’s strong identity, the improvements on defense have also been viewed as one of the leading factors in the team’s success this year.
“We’ve been much more solid defensively with Devon [Ward], team captain, holding us down in the back line. He’s done a great job,” Anderson said. “I think between those two things — team chemistry and our defense — I think we’re a lot better, and it’s going to allow us to be much more dynamic going forward.”
As the team is closing out its regular season, they are focused on preparing for the playoffs at the end of the month. Before then, the Aggies will face off against the University of Utah for their final game of the season, at home.
“Right now, we’re really trying to focus on our movement and being more dynamic going forward,” Anderson said. “We’ve been really good defensively, but we’re just kind of lacking that final piece. I think that’s something that we’re doing to try to prepare and be ready for regionals.”
Despite the season nearing its end, the future looks bright for the club. The team is based around a young core — the majority of the team is made up of freshmen and sophomores who will help carry the team’s newly established identity into the future. In the eyes of the team, a new era has begun for them, one they hope to maintain for the coming years.