2025/26 Men's Soccer Roster Preview
The 2024-25 Men's soccer team huddles up before their home opener last September
Blazers men's soccer has been one of the more active programs this off-season, with recruiting for the 2025/26 squad beginning back in November, and it continued to add pieces throughout the winter and spring. The Blazers were back in the MCAC playoffs this past October, and are hoping to compete for the MCAC title once again, last captured by CMU in 2018.
Blazers Athletics continues its 2025/26 team previews with the Blazers Men's Soccer team, noting new additions, key returnees, and losses to the lineup heading into the season:
Outgoing Players
Blazers Athletics honoured graduating student-athlete Matthew Pahl at the team's final game of the soccer season, while futsal legend Matheus Moreno also ends his time at CMU after spending parts of five seasons with the Blazers. Pahl was a regular starter for the green and gold throughout his career, most often playing down the wing and supporting the Blazers' attack. On the futsal court he was a favourite target for a quick strike down the court, and potted numerous goals for CMU this last season. Moreno was a skilled striker on the pitch for CMU, but shone brightest during the futsal season as both a maestro of the set piece, while also possessing unmatched skill on the ball during open play.
There are some other question marks going into the season as the Blazers roster continues to be tweaked. Veterans Jordyn Calvert and Messager Mumbere are both unsure of their status for the upcoming season, alongside 2024-25 rookie Evaristo Marku, while DP Adeyemo and Issac Milambo both have undergone medical procedures and are unlikely to suit up in 2025-26.
Incoming Recruits
Filling those holes in the lineup are a number of new recruits and additions to the squad including signees Nic Peterson, Micah Arpin-Ricci, Siem Petros, Mahamat Khamis, Leju James, Amos Rukundo, Ethan Bourke, and Frank Lyu. Former co-head coach, and now solo head coach Gode Katembo has been busy adding up the middle and deepening his roster as his hopes are high for a run to the CCAA National Championships.
Nicholas Peterson | 5'10" Goalkeeper | Miles Macdonnel | FC Northwest
The Blazers' first signing of the off-season filled a goalkeeping vacancy in the squad last year that truly held the team back from taking more points on the campaign. The incoming backstopper brings with him a long list of personal and team accomplishments, and is also familiar with futsal, having been a part of Pioneers futsal, Manitoba's team at the 2025 Futsal National Club Championships.
Coach's Quote: "We are thrilled to welcome Nic to our CMU program! Having had the chance to both play with and against him, I can confidently say he's not only an exceptional goalkeeper but also a fantastic person. Nic is a natural in his position, and always eager to learn and improve at every opportunity. His incredible potential and dedication make him a perfect fit for our team."
Micah Arpin-Ricci | 5'7" Defender | Westgate Mennonite | FC Nexgen
Look for Arpin-Ricci to push for playing time on the Blazers' back line this season as the seasoned defender can comfortably slot in at centre back or fullback. His leadership skills and game sense will be big assets in organizing CMU's defence.
Coach's Quote: "Micah is a strong, versatile player who brings skill and leadership to our program. His positive attitude and strong work ethic help lift up everyone around him. I'm excited to see him in Blazers colours."
Siem Petros | 6'0" Winger | St John's High | SWB FC
Possessing a similar frame and position as outgoing Matthew Pahl, look for Siem Petros to fill some of those minutes this upcoming season. Born in Eritrea, Petros plans to hone his skills this summer at the Manitoba African Cup of Nations before beginning his season with the Blazers.
Coach's Quote: "Siem is a dynamic and disciplined player with a great work ethic. He brings versatility to the field, able to play both as a wing back and as a winger. His speed and finishing ability will definitely be a big asset for us this season. I've had the chance to coach hi at the club level, and I'm excited to have him continue his journey with us. We're thrilled to welcome Siet to the Blazers family."
Mahamat Khamis | 5'8" Forward | Miles Macdonnel | Hellas SC
Look for Mahamat Khamis to make an immediate impact on the squad this season, bringing pace and finishing potential to the Blazers' attack. While many of CMU's goals came out of the midfield last season, Khamis has the potential to add another level of offense to the team.
Coach's Quote: "As a centre forward, Mahamat is easily one of the fastest players I've seen - and he'll likely be one of the quickest in the league. His speed, strength, and powerful shot make him a real threat up front. We're looking forward to maximizing his pace and presence this season."
Leju James | 6'0" Defender | Maples Collegiate | FC Northwest
Head coach Gode Katembo gives high praise to another of several additions to the Blazers' defence this year. With a crowded roster of defenders assembled look for Leju to be a lockdown presence on the Blazers' back line.
Coach's Quote: "Leju is a disciplined player with strong leadership skills. He's calm under pressure, reads the game really well, and leads by example both on and off the field. I genuinely believe that in the coming years he has the potential to become one of the top defenders in the league. We're excited to have him join the squad this season."
Amos Rukundo | 5'11" Centreback | Gordon Bell High | SWB FC
The second signing out of Sports Without Borders FC, Rukundo is another addition to the Blazers' roster of defenders, and a mature addition having graduated high school in 2023. Using his athletic build he is sure to give opposition attackers fits this coming season.
Coach's Quote: "We're thrilled to add Amos to our squad. He's an experienced centreback who has competed at both the Premier and First Division levles. His game intelligence, excellent timing on tackles, and powerful shot from the back make him a strong presence in our defensive unit. Amos brings leadership and confidence - he's going to be a key part of our back line this season."
Ethan Bourke | 5'10" Central Midfield | Dakota Collegiate | Bonivital SC
Another 2023 grad, Ethan Bourke will bring a mature game to the Blazers this season, able to slot in both on defence and further up in the midfield, giving head coach Gode Katembo plenty of options to get him minutes.
Coach's Quote: "Ethan is a fantastic addition to the team. He's a hardworking, intelligent player with the ability to play both central and defensive midfield. His composure, vision, and ability to read the game will bring stability and energy to our midfield. We're excited about what he brings on and off the field."
Frank Lyu | 5'11" Midfielder | Mennonite Collegiate Institute | Borderless Ballers FC
The latest signing for head coach Gode Katembo is a player familiar to many in Manitoba soccer circles, who will bring a deep knowlege of the game and tactical skill to the Blazers' lineup. No doubt a team-first player, Lyu will be a cool and composed addition to the squad.
Coach's Quote: "Frank brigns exceptional vision in the midfield, and impressive ability to distribute the ball, and the qualities of a well-rounded, intelligent player who reads the game at a high level. Looking forward to working with him this season."
Returning to the Roster
The Blazers are returning a solid core this year, hoping to build towards a championship-calibre roster. Key returnees to the lineup this season include Blazers Rookie of the Year for men's sports Tristen Holfeld, who will return for his sophomore season and hope to build on his MCAC All-Conference campaign last year. Meanwhile Captain Noah Schindel and 2024-25 MCAC All-Conference selection Romaine Francis are both set to return for their fourth year of eligibility with CMU. Schindel will by vying for minutes with the large crop of incoming defenders head coach Gode Katembo has assembled, while Francis' ability to take on defenders one-on-one and create his own scoring chances are a game changer.
Another bright star in the lineup last season was rookie Taiwo Oshode, whose poise and strength on the ball had him in on many of the Blazers' offensive chances. Further back in the lineup, Aiden Edwards was a breakout rookie as well, with pace and ball control up the sidelines. Veterans Riko Tore Cabrera and Paul Ogieva will certainly be pushed by the incoming recruit class for starting spots, while the potential return of Jean-Paul Murhabazi in the midfield could solve the potential loss of Messager Mumbere.
Blazers head coach Gode Katembo will certainly have his hands full slotting in his crop of recruits and returnees into the lineup, with a roster that looks to be deeper than recent years, with possilby more additions to come. Depth is no doubt a good problem to have as the college schedule can take a toll on players with most weekends seeing back-to-back competition days. The top seed after regular season play will earn the right to host the 2025 MCAC Soccer Championships, with the winner heading to Montreal for CCAA Nationals in early November.
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