RICHARDSON, Texas -  As the UT Dallas Comets men's soccer team gears up for the 2025 season, they embark on a new chapter by entering the Lone Star Conference. This transition marks an exciting time for the Comets, who are coming off a historic 2024 season, achieving the best winning percentage in school history with a record of 13-1-2. Notably, the team has never had a losing season in its 27-year history.

Key players returning to the Comets roster include four starters: junior defender Julio De Los Reyes, sophomore midfielder Gabriel Sasso, senior forward/midfielder Hamza Syed, and junior midfielder Jason Torres. Carson Burden and Jacob Culpepper, who each netted five goals last season, also return to bolster the team's attacking options. Additionally, All-American Southwest Conference players Josh Zemanski, Luke Harris, and Aiden Currie are back, bringing valuable experience and skill to the squad.

The Comets have also made significant additions to their roster, with several experienced transfers. New faces such as Ryder Claborn, Avery Brazzell, Callum Thompson, Evan Pustejovsky, Jordan Jones, Kingsley Annan, Caden Naizer, Avery Estell, Tabor Robinson, Ryan Anderson, and Morgan English join the team, bringing fresh talent and potential to the lineup. Freshman goalkeeper Ross Versari is expected to make an impact as he begins his collegiate career.

Pustejovsky, a transfer from DBU, was an All-Lone Star Conference Second Team performer last season. He and Thompson, a redshirt freshman from UNC Asheville, were among the 29 student-athletes on the LSC Preseason Players to Watch list.

The Comets open their season on September 5 at the Colorado Mesa Men's Soccer Showcase in Grand Junction. This will be followed by their home opener on September 18 against Ouachita Baptist in non-conference action. The team's foray into Lone Star Conference play commences on October 1 at home against Oklahoma Christian.

Ranked 9th of 11 teams in the LSC Preseason Poll, the Comets are well aware of the challenges ahead. Head coach Jason Hirsch, entering his 13th season, acknowledges the strength of the Lone Star Conference, stating, "This is one of the toughest and most respected conferences in all of NCAA Division II. It has a reputation for producing teams that compete for national rankings and national titles." Despite the challenges, Hirsch is optimistic about the opportunity, emphasizing the team's competitive spirit and desire to represent the university at the D-II level.

Mental toughness will be a focal point for the Comets this season. As Hirsch notes, "We believe we will have ups and downs, and the success of our team will depend on our ability to handle those swings of emotion, and bounce back to compete after every match." Developing the right mentality and leveraging their talent will be key as the team navigates the season.

With a blend of seasoned returners and promising newcomers, the Comets are set to tackle the 2025 season with determination and resilience. As they step into the competitive landscape of the LSC, the Comets aim to uphold their tradition of success and make their mark in NCAA Division II soccer.

LSC Preseason Release