Taft College 2025 Men’s Soccer Preseason Outlook; Season Opener this Friday in Cougar Country
TAFT, CA – The 2025 collegiate men's soccer season officially starts this month. The Taft College Cougars Men's Soccer team is looking to further advance this upcoming season after a second round state playoff exit.
Last season, Taft placed second in the Central Valley Conference with an overall record of 9-4-9. They were ranked #15 nationally in Junior College Division III according to the United Soccer Coaches Association and as high as #15 in the 3C2A state polls.
Key losses will be former Midfielder of the Year and First Team All-Conference Emilio Gonzalez, along with First Team players Lisandro Ceja and Abraham Diaz. The Cougars will also lose two Second Team All-Conference and three honorable mention athletes.
Key returners will include First Team All-Conference selection Diego Nunez and Second Team All-Conference John Petryshyn. Also playing impacting roles will be key returners Ari Chung, Anthony Malta, Abram Villanueva, Jose Luis Covarrubias, Alejandro Pina, Jesse Robles, Tomas Martinez, Sebastian Bueno, Arturo Carbajal and Kwadwo Dua.
Entering his 25th year on the sideline, Taft College Head Men's Soccer Coach Angelo Cutrona expressed his thoughts on the upcoming season, "We are very excited about the 2025 season. The group of sophomores coming back worked really hard in the off season. They are eager and hungry to identify themselves as winners. The freshman class has also shown a lot of hunger and talent. With the leadership of the sophomore class, the freshmen are eager to follow their lead and give their all for the team. It has been two seasons since we reached the state finals. This group is determined to reclaim its place as one of the best in the state and nation."
The Cougars take the field this Friday, August 22 with their season home opener against Cypress College at 4:00 pm.
Admissions: $8 Adults, $5 Senior/Students, and Free for all kids, TC students, faculty, and staff. Online ticketing will be available with a processing fee at : Taft College | College Sports | Home | Hudl
