The 2025 season marks a new chapter for Arlington Baptist University Men's Soccer, as the Patriots opened preseason under newly appointed Head Coach Mat Levenson.
Levenson, entering his first year at the helm, brings a renewed sense of energy, structure, and ambition to the program. Backed by a completely new coaching staff, Assistant Coaches Angel Santana and Devan Lootens, the Patriots are laying the foundation for a culture rooted in discipline, accountability, and daily excellence both on and off the field.
"This group is young and hungry," said Levenson. "We're stepping into a new era. Everything we're doing is about building something bigger than ourselves and doing it the right way, from the habits we form, to the way we train, to how we treat one another. We want to be one spirit, one mind, and one heartbeat."
Preseason opened with a series of fitness evaluations and the program's first ever El Coach's Clasico, an intersquad match in which the two assistant coaches drafted their teams. Team Devan edged out Team Angel 2–1 in a competitive, high-energy contest that was decided by a late own goal. Levenson hinted that the Clasico may become a preseason tradition moving forward.
The Patriots followed the internal match with an early preseason test against NJCAA powerhouse Ranger College. Although ABU dropped a close 0–1 result at home, the coaching staff viewed the match as a valuable evaluation tool, with a heavy rotation of players getting minutes and meaningful experience.
"We're evaluating constantly," said Levenson. "We have a long way to go, but we're seeing buy-in—and that matters. The response from the group has been encouraging."
A strong returning core provides experience and leadership through the transition. Adam Rodriguez, the team's reigning MVP and an NCCAA All-Southwest Region selection, returns as a versatile leader who will contribute in multiple positions across the field. Junior goalkeeper Hugh Elliot brings vocal presence and shot-stopping ability to the back line, while center back John Luna adds stability and familiarity to the defensive unit. Midfielder Ismael "Miley" Calderon is back from a season-ending injury and has already impressed during preseason sessions with his sharpness and tempo.
The Patriots also brought in a wave of new talent, including sophomore transfer Emmanuel Castro, a center back from Wayland Baptist who has already emerged as a vocal leader. Several first-year players have made strong impressions in the early going, providing important depth and energy to the roster.
Underneath it all is a quiet thread of faith and brotherhood, a foundation the staff is intentionally weaving into the identity of the team.
"We're building something that's not just about soccer," Levenson noted. "It's about shaping men. Faith is a big part of who I am and how I lead, and I believe it gives this program something deeper to stand on."
With preseason now underway, the Patriots aren't shying away from the work ahead. The road to transformation is long, but the direction is clear.
"We talk every day about the details. That's where progress lives. That's where culture gets built," said Levenson. "It's not perfect, but it's real. And we're going to keep showing up. We will continue to focus on the process and let the results take care of itself."
