Houston Christian University Soccer Kicks Off 2025 Season Against Drake
Houston,TX - The Houston Christian University (HCU) men’s soccer team will launch its 2025 campaign wiht a home match against drake University on Thursday,August 21,at Sorrels Field. The game is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM, marking the start of a four-game stretch at home for the Huskies.
Huskies Look to Build on Successful 2024 Season
Head Coach Ryan Pratt returns for his ninth season, aiming to replicate the success achieved last year. In 2024, HCU posted an 8-7-5 overall record and a 5-2-3 mark in Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) play, reaching the championship final before a narrow 3-2 double-overtime defeat to SIUE.This performance represented the program’s most wins since 2015 and the first winning season since then.
The team’s five conference victories were also the most since 2019. The Huskies’ improvement reflects a growing competitive edge within the OVC, a trend that underscores the increasing quality of collegiate soccer programs nationwide (NCAA Men’s Soccer Guide).
Key Players return for the Huskies
HCU boasts a strong core of returning players, including three all-Conference selections.Senior forward Ryan okerayi and midfielder D’Alessandro Herrera have both earned All-OVC honors twice. Alex Aitken, the team’s goalkeeper, also received All-OVC recognition. The Huskies have added 15 newcomers to the roster, seven of whom are transfers.
Okerayi was a key offensive threat last season, ranking second on the team in goals and points while leading in assists. Herrera contributed three goals and three assists, solidifying his position as a versatile midfielder. Aitken, simultaneously occurring, established himself as a reliable presence in goal, posting eight shutouts and accumulating 229 career saves.
Did You Know? Alex Aitken’s 229 career saves place him atop the HCU career leaderboard, demonstrating his consistent performance and importance to the team.
Returning Talent and Defensive Strength
Juniors Hans leza and Ricardo Garcia are also expected to play meaningful roles. Leza started all 20 matches last season and was a two-time OVC Defensive Player of the Week. Garcia added two goals and an assist while making six starts in 19 appearances.Their combined experience will be crucial in maintaining a solid defensive line, which allowed only 19 goals in 20 matches last year.
Drake University Presents a Tough Season Opener
Drake University enters the match as the preseason favorite in the missouri Valley Conference. Led by Head Coach Pat Flinn, the Bulldogs finished the 2024 season with a 9-5-3 overall record and a 5-1-2 mark in conference play. They return three All-Conference players, including Co-Midfielder of the Year Eskil Gjerde and MVC Freshman of the Year Preston Kipnusu.
The series between HCU and Drake is relatively brief, with only two prior meetings both held in Des moines, Iowa. Drake holds a 1-0-1 advantage, having won the most recent contest 1-0 on September 6, 2024, thanks to a goal from kipnusu.
| Team | 2024 Record | Key Players |
|---|---|---|
| Houston Christian University | 8-7-5 | ryan Okerayi, D’Alessandro Herrera, Alex Aitken |
| Drake University | 9-5-3 | Eskil Gjerde, preston Kipnusu, Ryder Barrett |
Looking Ahead: OVC Play and beyond
HCU’s OVC schedule begins on September 26 with a road match against the University of the Incarnate Word. The Huskies were picked to finish second in the 2025 OVC Preseason Poll and Okerayi was named a “Player to Watch.”
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Ryan Okerayi; his ability to create scoring opportunities and contribute to the attack will be vital for HCU’s success this season.
Following the match against Drake, HCU will host the University of the Pacific on Sunday, August 24.Both Drake and Pacific will then travel to San Antonio to face the University of the Incarnate word.
What are your predictions for the Huskies’ season? Do you think they can improve on last year’s performance and contend for the OVC championship?
The rise of collegiate soccer in the United States has been fueled by increased investment in facilities, coaching, and player development.Programs like HCU are benefiting from this growth, attracting talented athletes and competing at a higher level. The trend towards more competitive conferences, such as the OVC, is also driving innovation and raising the overall quality of play. the increasing visibility of college soccer through streaming services and social media is further expanding its reach and appeal to fans.
Frequently asked Questions about HCU Men’s Soccer
- What is the date of the HCU vs. Drake game? The game is on Thursday, August 21, 2025.
- Where will the HCU vs. Drake game be played? The game will be played at Sorrels field in Houston, Texas.
- Who are some key players to watch for HCU? Ryan Okerayi, D’Alessandro Herrera, and Alex Aitken are key players to watch.
- What conference does HCU men’s soccer compete in? HCU competes in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC).
- What was HCU’s record in 2024? HCU finished the 2024 season with an 8-7-5 overall record.
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