HOUSTON – St. Thomas Men's Soccer team is set to return to the pitch this fall as Head Coach Ernesto Ramirez enters his third season with the program. The Celts open the 2026 season with a challenging schedule that features a strong non-conference slate before beginning the pursuit of SCAC Championship.
"Our focus is on competing with confidence, maintaining a strong mentality, and playing the brand of football that represents the University of St. Thomas with pride," Ramirez said. "We enter this season with high expectations for ourselves, but we understand that success must be earned every day. We're excited for the journey ahead and can't wait to get the 2026 season underway."
Looking Into the Season
The 2026 schedule begins with three exhibition matches, giving the Celts an opportunity to prepare before the regular season officially kicks off. UST hosts a club soccer team August 20 and Wiley University on August 27 before wrapping up exhibition play against a Soccer Club on August 29.
The regular season opens at home on September 1 as the Celts welcome North American University to Houston. St. Thomas remains home to host McMurry University on September 10 before traveling to Hardin-Simmons University for its first road contest of the season.
"We open the season with five of our first six matches at home, and that's something we're really excited about," Ramirez said. "Playing at our beautiful facility in front of our fans creates a great environment, and we want to take advantage of that opportunity to build momentum and establish confidence early in the season."
The non-conference schedule continues with a home matchup against Texas A&M-Victoria on September 17, followed by a road contest at Howard Payne University two days later. The Celts then head east for a two-match road trip in New Jersey, taking on Ramapo College on September 25 before facing Kean University on September 27.
"The middle portion of our schedule will be one of our biggest tests as we spend an extended stretch on the road," Ramirez said. "We'll travel to New Jersey to face Ramapo College and Kean University, two opponents we haven't faced before. Preparing for different playing styles and competing in unfamiliar environments will be a great challenge for our team and will help prepare us for the demands of SCAC play."
SCAC Conference play begins on October 3 with a road matchup at Centenary College before a challenging conference road swing at Colorado College followed by the University of Dallas.
"Once conference play begins, every opponent demands your full attention," Ramirez said. "The SCAC continues to be one of the most competitive conferences in Division III soccer, and we'll need to be consistent in our performances if we want to put ourselves in position to compete for a spot in the SCAC Tournament."
The Celts return home on October 16 to host Texas Lutheran University before welcoming Concordia University Texas two days later. After conference road contests at LeTourneau University and Austin College, UST closes the regular season at SaberCats Stadium with Senior Night against the University of the Ozarks on October 30 before hosting Hendrix College on November 1.
"The final week of conference play presents another important challenge," Ramirez said. "There won't be any easy matches down the stretch, and we'll need to be at our best to earn the results necessary to secure a place in the SCAC Tournament."
The SCAC Championship Tournament is scheduled for November 5-8, where the Celts will look to earn their way back into postseason competition.
Leadership & Players
The Celts return an experienced group of veterans led by senior forward Brian Garcia, who earned All-SCAC honors following an outstanding 2025 season and has continued to be one of the program's offensive leaders.
Joining Garcia are veteran leaders Hamilton Estrada, Emmanuel Rodriguez, and Juan Guzman, whose experience and leadership will play a vital role both on and off the field throughout the season.
The 2026 roster features an exciting blend of experienced returners and a talented group of newcomers, with nearly half of the squad consisting of freshmen and transfer student-athletes. The combination of veteran leadership and fresh talent provides the Celts with added depth and competition across the field as they look to take the next step this season.
Stay Connected
For game times and live coverage, visit www.ustcelts.com or follow @ustathletics and @ustmsoccer on social media for more updates. To view te schedule, click here! Come out and show your support!
