HONOLULU – There's plenty of optimism for the Chaminade University men's soccer program.
What makes the 2023 Silverswords unique is there are an equal number of returnees and newcomers – 16 for both.
After seeing real game action for the first time last Monday, the Silverswords will have one more exhibition tune-up on Wednesday against Lincoln University. On Saturday, the 'Swords begins the second year of head coach
Joshua Woodard's tenure on Saturday against Northwest Nazarene at Saint Louis Field in their regular season opener. Kickoff is set for 10 a.m.
Goalkeeper
Brandon Yasue is the most experienced returnee as he enters his fifth playing season after taking advantage of his COVID year which restored another year of eligibility. The Honolulu native, who is actually in his sixth year with the team after redshirting in 2018, enters as the fourth year as the 'Swords' starter in front of the net.
Jonah Valmonte, a sophomore transfer from Robert Morris University, is the 'Swords' second keeper.
Midfielder
Owen Caba also returns after leading the team in goals (4) and points (9) a year ago and was the only field player with over 1,000 minutes played. Also back is
Ryan Anderson who contributed with two goals while he and
David Kurihara joining Yasue as seniors who are playing their final seasons.
Most of the returnees saw extensive field time last season.
Joseph Wren was a minute shy of getting to 1,000 while
Ian Inigo,
Braden McCann,
Daniel Villalva, Anderson and
Alessio Franco all recorded over 700 minutes.
Of the 16 newcomers, six have previous collegiate experience at four-year institutions.
Wednesday's exhibition against Lincoln marks a busy opening stretch for the 'Swords where they will have four games in nine days. Following the Saturday's regular season opener against the Nighthawks, they'll meet San Francisco State on Monday, Sept. 4, followed by Cal State East Bay on Thursday, Sept. 7.
