Men's Soccer | August 27, 2026

MORROW, Ga. – The Clayton State University men's soccer team opens its 2026 Regular Season on the pitch of Laker Field on Thursday evening.  The Lakers are coming off an 8-8-4 overall record last season. 
 
THIS WEEK
Thursday, August 27^th | 7 p.m. | First 50 students receive a 2026 Schedule Poster

• Opponent: Christian Brothers (Gulf South Conference)
• Tickets are available at the gate for $10 for adults (13+) and $5 for children (5-12)
• Clayton State Students and children under five are free
• Watch | Live Stats

Saturday, August 29^th | 7 p.m.

• Opponent: Barry (Sunshine States Conference)
• Tickets are available at the gate for $10 for adults (13+) and $5 for children (5-12)
• Clayton State Students and children under five are free
• Watch | Live Stats

 
LAST YEAR
The Lakers finished the 2025 season 8-8-4 and went 5-5-3 in the Peach Belt Conference finishing in fourth place with 17 points.  North Georgia won the Regular Season while Flagler won the Tournament crown.  Clayton State made the Semifinals of the PBC Tournament for the eighth straight season after taking down Georgia Southwestern in the Quarterfinals in extra time.  The Lakers went 6-2-2 at home have been dominate on Laker Field in the last three seasons going 21-3-4 dating back to 2023.  This season, the Lakers were picked to finish third in the PBC. 
 
IMPACT PLAYERS
The Lakers are led by the senor leadership of Camilo Velez, Fallah Johnson, George Roke, and Sonny Simpson.  Velez, who was voted as a Preseason All-Conference selection, led the team with eight assists last season and added a pair of goals.  He was also one of only four players to play in all 20 matches' last season.  Johnson, who did not play last season due to an injury, comes back to the team after posting an all-conference season in 2024 scoring eight goals in 20 games.  Having Johnson healthy will be critical to the Lakers and their success this season.  The Lakers also return Fabian Wagner, who scored three goals last season, Eric Cruz, and Joao Amaral, who also contributed big time last season. 
 
On the defensive side of the ball, Simpson, who is the captain of the team, and Roke lead the charge.  Simpson, who is also the only returner from last season, scored three goals and added a team third-best five assists last season.  Simpson, last season, was instrumental as the Lakers pitched five shutouts.  Roke, who led the Lakers in saves with 65 last season, comes in as one of the top returners.  George conceded 1.48 GAA last season and pitched three of the five shutouts.  The Lakers also return Kalle Kuisma to the team this season who pitched two shutouts and made 13 saves. 
 
NEWCOMERS GALORE
Coach Petersen welcomes 18 newcomers to the team for the 2026 season.  Highlighting this class of newcomers are Casper Hyypia, Arttu Leivonen, Lucas Schofield, who transferred from Georgia Southwestern, Agustin Bezara, and Jurica Folnegovic.  These newcomers will make an immediate impact for Coach Petersen off the bat.  To read more about these newcomers and all 18 newcomers, please see the link to the full story HERE. 
 
COACHING STAFF
Coach Pete Petersen enters his 23^rd season at the helm of Clayton State men's soccer.  In his 23 seasons, Pete amasses an overall record 220-146-39.  His 220 wins are good for second all-time in PBC history.  Joining coach Petersen is assistant coach Jonny Evans, who enters his fourth season.  Evans played for Coach Pete from 2012-15.  Miguel Torrecillas enters his first season as an Assistant Coach.  As a player, Miguel played for Petersen from 2024-25.  In 36 matches, Miguel scored a pair of goals and added an assist.  He scored the match-winning goal in the Quarterfinals of the 2025 PBC Tournament to advance the Lakers to the Semifinals.  He also captained the team in the 2025 season. 
 
Bryce Billington, Jordan Davis, and Kom Momeni round out the coaching staff for Coach Petersen.  Billington will handle the goalkeepers while Davis and Momeni serve as a Technical Advisor and Assistant Coach, respectively.  Davis has been associated with Coach Pete since 2021 while Kom is in his second season. 
 
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