ARCATA, Calif. - The 2026 Cal Poly Humboldt men's soccer team will get its first opportunity to take the field this season when the Lumberjacks host exhibitions against Simpson this Friday, Aug. 15 and Southern Oregon on Sunday, Aug. 16 at College Creek Field. Friday's match will begin at 1 p.m. while Sunday's match starts at 3 p.m.

Humboldt's exhibitions mark the first two of three preseason matches for the Lumberjacks. Humboldt will wrap up the exhibition schedule at College of the Redwoods on Saturday, Aug. 22, at 3:00 p.m. The Lumberjacks will officially open the 2026 regular season campaign on a six-game road trip starting at Fresno Pacific, Thursday, Aug. 27 at 1:30 p.m.

With the start of the 2026 campaign right around the corner, let's preview Cal Poly Humboldt Men's Soccer.

SEASON NOTES

Fred Jungemann begins his 19th season as a collegiate head coach in 2026 and his 14th season at the helm of the Lumberjacks. Jungemann previously spent six seasons coaching women's soccer at Barry before taking over the Humboldt program.

The 2026 roster features 30 players, including 20 returners and 10 newcomers.

Humboldt returns several players who played significant minutes, including Shota Lam, Erwin Manibusan, Robert Somerville, and Harper Thweatt. The Lumberjacks' returning players combined for significant experience during the 2025 season, with several returners earning starting roles throughout the campaign.

Humboldt's 2026 coaching staff features Jungemann alongside assistant coaches Nano Pereira, Iasiah Dairo, and first year coach Michael Carvalho.

POSITION PREVIEWS

FORWARDS (5)

The Lumberjacks' forward group features a combination of size, experience and youth, with Ethan Gyenis, Luke Gomes, and Jai Sternhall providing veteran presence in the attacking third.

Humboldt will also look to newcomers De Jon Watson and Alan Garcia to provide attacking options throughout the season. Watson and Gomes give the Lumberjacks additional options in both the forward and midfield positions.

MIDFIELDERS (9)

The Lumberjacks' midfield features upperclassmen experience and promising newcomers. Seth Uson, Dominik Chipp, Kaz Kinoshita, Harper Thweatt, and Erwin Manibusan headline the group.

The Lumberjacks also feature sophomore Izaiah Grosveld, along with freshmen Azis Camerrer, Dominic De La Torre and Ronaldinho Basulto. The group gives Humboldt a variety of options in the center of the field and adds depth throughout the midfield.

DEFENDERS (12)

Humboldt's largest position group features a mixture of veteran defenders, transfers and freshmen. Robert Somerville, Elijah Espinoza, Maumausolo Uiagalelei, Nic Moore, Gabriel Tucci, Vince Warren, and Shota Lam provide the Lumberjacks with upperclassmen experience along the back line.

Newcomers include freshmen David Vega, Said Nait Challal, and Tyler Van Klaveren as well as junior transfer Elijah Hanley.

GOALKEEPERS (4)

The Lumberjacks' goalkeeper group features three players with collegiate experience, including Edwin Monterrosa providing a veteran presence between the posts. Monterrosa is joined by junior Benjamin McDonald and sophomore Alvaro Nieves.

Freshman Trey Cerizo rounds out the goalkeeper group, giving the Lumberjacks additional depth and competition at the position.

SUCCESS AGAINST SIMPSON, SOUTHERN OREGON

Simpson University enters Friday's exhibition as the first opponent on Humboldt's 2026 preseason schedule. The Red Hawks will make the trip to Arcata for the exhibition at College Creek Field. A few days later, Southern Oregon will be the second team on Humboldt's radar.

The matches provide both programs with an opportunity to evaluate their squads in a game environment as they continue preparations for the regular season.

UP NEXT

The Lumberjacks will stay local in their away match at College of the Redwoods on Aug. 22 to wrap up their preseason schedule.

Humboldt will then open the regular season on Thursday, Aug. 27, against Fresno Pacific at 3 p.m. as part of a six-game road trip.

For more information on Cal Poly Humboldt men's soccer, visit humboldtathletics.com, download our mobile app on Apple iOS or Google Android, and follow the Lumberjacks on Instagram, Twitter/X, and Facebook.

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Twitter/X: @HumboldtJacks
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