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Wingate, N.C.----The Wingate University Bulldogs open the 2026 men's soccer season Saturday night, hosting Lander University at Pride Park at 7 p.m. The 'Dogs are coming off a 3-9-3 season in 2025, going 3-4-3 in league play.

The Bulldogs were picked fifth in the preseason SAC poll, with three players earning league honors. Bailey Rhodes was a preseason first team all-conference selection, while Camilo Salazar and Hipo Delhaes earned SAC Player to Watch accolades.

Wingate will have several new faces joining the squad in 2026. "I think it's been a very good preseason for us," head coach Gary Hamill says. "We have 17 new players coming in and we have been working on integrating everyone together. Having extra days this year has been very beneficial and will definitely take some time to get the right combinations."

"Our expectations are clearly to be in the top of the conference this year," Hamill says. "Realistically it's a massive rebuilding year for us and looking to be better every game as we progress during the year. We have not had this situation in several years so it's going to be a learning experience for many players. We probably will only have two returning starters from last year, so time and patience will be key as we move forward. The schedule, unlike last year, has very home-based matches which is always a positive."

GOALKEEPERS

The Bulldogs return Quincy Gibbs, who started 10 games last year, posting a 1.28 goals-against average while piling up 42 saves, with a .764 save percentage. He is joined by freshman Cole Freeman, as well as senior Cam Hein. "Cole has had a very good preseason in goal, although Quincy Gibbs is coming off a successful year last year and they will challenge each other for the top spot," Hamill says.

DEFENSE

The Bulldog defense will once again be led by Rhodes, the preseason all-conference selection. "The defense will be anchored by Bailey, along with a few newcomers," Hamill says. "Hipo Delhaes, Darragh Maguire and David Johnson looking to start in those other positions."

MIDFIELD

The midfield is led by Salazar, the preseason SAC Player to Watch honoree. "The return of Camilo in central midfield and his ability to be a playmaker has been good for the new players," Hamill says. "Following his season-ending injury early last year, it was great to see him performing up to his standards. Other key players to look for are Bjarki Asmundson who will anchor the central area. We also have multiple options in the wide areas with UNC transfer Andreas Cardenas, along with Noah Yalu, Harrison Moss, Benjamin Calvin and Juan Campos all pushing for playing time."

FORWARD

David Serdynski netted three goals for the Bulldogs last year from the forward spot. "We will have a few options at the forward position depending on how we line up formation-wise, but so far Austin Vicenzino, Juan Campos and David Serdynski, along with a couple of others will push to start and play minutes," Hamill says. "We are striving for progress every day and every match, knowing that it takes time to build a championship team, but I feel we have the right players, ability and personality wise to move in the right direction."