WINONA, Minn. — The first official week of preseason has passed, and the 2026 Saint Mary's men's soccer team has a different swag this season than last. It's not just the two practices a day or the preseason scrimmages that are preparing the Cardinals for the road ahead; it's the student-athletes.

"What excites me most is how locked in they have been from the start of preseason," said second-year head men's soccer coach Leo Barbosa. "The culture has been phenomenal, the guys came back prepared after putting in the work this summer, and there is a real sense of belief within the group."

"We have a great mix of experience and some exciting new pieces, I feel like we have everything we need to make this a special season."

Although the Cardinals fell short of MIAC Playoff contention last season, the team has spent some time reflecting on what will be different this year. The summer is where things started to shift.

The Cardinals took a trip of a lifetime this summer and traveled to football country, Brazil, to train with quality team-bonding time. Coach Barbosa said the mentality changed since last season.

"We have a strong group of upperclassmen with a lot of MIAC experience, and I believe we are better prepared than we have ever been. Derek Hansen, strength and conditioning coach, did a phenomenal job with the guys in the offseason, and our trip to Brazil helped keep the group connected and focused on our goals throughout the winter and spring."

The team opens its 2026 season at home on Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 7:00 p.m. against Luther College, before a quick turnaround to host Crown College the very next day at 7:00 p.m. They officially open conference play on the road at the previous Final Four qualifier, St. Olaf, on Saturday, Sept. 19. 

After a long road break, the Cardinals return home on Saturday, Sept. 26 against St. Scholastica. They will officially close out the regular season with a week of home games, hosting Viterbo on Wednesday, Oct. 28, under the lights, before closing out the regular season by hosting Bethel on Saturday, Oct 31, at 3:30 p.m.

The MIAC Soccer Playoffs are set for Nov. 3 - Nov. 7 at the highest-seeded institution. 

"With the experience we have, how prepared the guys came into preseason, and how bought in they are to improve from last year, I think our fans have a lot to look forward to this season."