New wave ready to rise for UPEI Men’s Soccer Panthers

Change is everywhere for the UPEI Men’s Soccer Panthers.

A new head coach, nine new players, and the departure of several established veterans have reshaped a roster that enters the 2026 season as one of the youngest in the AUS.

For first-year head coach Mozzi Gyorio, the roster turnover represents more than just change—it’s opportunity.

With veteran centre-backs Max VanWiechen and Riad Jaha having graduated and all-star striker Jahmal Boursiquot embarking on the next chapter of his career after leading the AUS with eight goals last season, the Panthers enter an exciting new era. Their achievements have helped pave the way for emerging talent, creating valuable opportunities for a new wave of Panthers to take on expanded roles and showcase their potential.

“What excites me most is seeing this group grow and the potential of what it can become,” Gyorio said. “We’ve added a lot of new faces who have raised the level of competition, while our returning players have helped set the standard for what we expect every day.”

Nine newcomers join the Panthers this season, including six first-year players, while Merlin Devine, Brock Ahmet, and Kazuya Iwasaki arrive with previous post-secondary experience.

With so many players competing for roles, Gyorio is still searching for the right combinations throughout the lineup.

One spot that appears more settled is in central midfield, where second-year standout Isaac Sommerville is quickly emerging as a core piece. Gyorio praised Sommerville’s engine and ability to exploit space, although who ultimately lines up alongside him remains an open competition.

Veteran captain Will Campbell also gives Gyorio valuable flexibility as those pieces fall into place. His versatility and willingness to take on whatever role is needed makes him an important piece as the Panthers continue shaping their lineup.

That competition extends to the back line, where training camp has featured a strong internal battle for minutes as Gyorio searches for the right defensive alignment. Behind whichever group emerges, sophomore Adam Allain will step into the primary goalkeeper role after spending last season learning behind starter Javier Zaragoza.

Miller, Xander Devine, Rio Crystal, and Julian Shiau are among the attackers who will be counted on to create chances and provide goals as UPEI looks to establish a more balanced attack. Devine, in particular, has caught Gyorio’s attention for his creativity and quality in the final third.

“The competition has been consistent, with players pushing each other every day,” Gyorio said. “A number of players have shown they can contribute at this level, which has made some of our decisions difficult.”

For such a young group, Gyorio believes consistency will be the biggest challenge.

“At this level, you have to be ready to compete every time you step on the field,” he said. “Our job as staff is to help players understand those demands, while they need to embrace the challenge, learn from their experiences and continue improving.”

Sommerville believes the Panthers’ youth could also work in their favour.

“We’re a young team, and I think some teams will overlook us,” Sommerville said. “But we have talent throughout the roster and many of us already have AUS experience, and I think that will help push us toward our goals.”

There are still plenty of questions to answer, but that’s also what makes this season intriguing.

For Gyorio, the goal is to build a team that is comfortable on the ball, connected defensively, and willing to compete for one another from the opening to the final whistle.

“If we continue improving and working for each other, I think we’ll give our supporters a team they can be proud of.”

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