HENDERSON — After posting back-to-back 10-win seasons, the Freed-Hardeman University men's soccer team looks to continue trending upward as they begin the 2026 season in Alabama on Thursday.

Losing their top two goalscorers to graduation, head coach Jason Elliott looks to lean on Martin Theissen on the wing to create scoring chances on the wing. The Bocholt, Germany, native netted six goals in his freshman season. Paolo Sparks returns for his third season as a Lion in the midfield. With 1,410 minutes on the pitch, Sparks saw the most action for a field player in the 2025 campaign. Right behind Sparks in minutes, Hugo Luque recorded one assist as a defender last season.

"We graduated a tremendous group last season, tough to replace guys of high character like we had last year," said Elliot. "Our work ethic has been great to try and continue the commitment to working hard every day."

A few new faces to look for include German freshman David Hajduk. The midfielder is expected to provide offense with solid ball control and field vision. On the back line, Bafokeng Nts'eno will use his pace and knowledge to help out FHU's defense. Between the pipes, Gaspar Bourdon sheds a redshirt to lead a bevy of four goalkeepers.

Elliott said of his new Lions, "These new players have brought great life into our team both with their energy and skill. There are probably six to eight freshmen who have already made a great impact. We like this new group as they are a great group of guys to be around."

In addition to Luque and Sparks, the leadership of seniors Jorge Martinez, Balsa Medenica, Wisdom Nkwamba, Noah Setterberg, and Cole Shipley will be a boon to the Lions. 

"We are looking for great leadership from our senior class," said Elliott. "They have performed at a high level and need to show the other guys what it means to put on the crest. We have taken great strides over the last couple of years and we need these guys to lead us as we only will go as far as our leadership can take us. A unified brotherhood is what our goal is with this team."

The Lions begin the season on August 20 against Talladega (Ala.) College with a 4:30 p.m. kickoff. The first chance for fans to see the Lions in action at the Josh Riley Soccer Complex is on August 25 when FHU hosts Blue Mountain Christian (Miss.) University. The conference slate opens on September 8 with a visit to Lindsey Wilson. Four of the other six teams in the Mid-South were ranked in the 2025 postseason top 25.

Elliott said of the MSC slate, "Conference will be once again a tremendous opportunity to show what we are capable of. Last year we had four teams in the top 12 for most of the year. We believe in our guys, our work rate, and our dedication to the team."

For the full roster, click here.
For the full schedule, click here.