Men's Soccer Ready for Its Time in the Lights

The golden hour—the time just before sunset, when soft, warm light settles over the horizon—is perfect for photography. This year, for the first time in program history, it's also when the St. Edward's men's soccer team will open its season under the lights at home.

On Thursday, September 4 at 7:00 p.m., the Hilltoppers will take the field at Lewis-Chen Family Field, now newly illuminated, for their season opener against Delta State.

The debut of lights comes exactly 40 years after the program's first game, a 2-0 win over the College of the Southwest on September 7, 1985.

"I can't thank President Fuentes and our athletics administration enough," said Head Coach Brian Young. "They were instrumental in getting the lights installed, along with several other upgrades. For our guys, this is going to be a special experience. I think that's how soccer should be played."

The Hilltoppers held a dress rehearsal under the lights in a recent scrimmage against Huston-Tillotson, lighting up the scoreboard with five second-half goals in a 6-0 win. Now, they're hoping alumni will return to witness the new era firsthand.

"I still keep in touch with some of the alumni, and everyone who's come through this program has dreamed of playing under the lights," said defender MASOOD PORSA. "There's the hill overlooking the city, no classes, and a night game atmosphere—it's going to be something special."
Summer Play Builds Chemistry, Opens the Door for Hollenbeck

Since the program's return in 2023, building depth has been a central focus. That growth has come both from recruiting veteran transfers and from player development—especially over the summer.

One of those players is junior defender TIMMY HOLLENBECK, a member of the program's inaugural 2023 roster. After a strong freshman season and a fluctuating sophomore year, Hollenbeck remained committed, training diligently and using the summer to sharpen his skills.

This past summer, Hollenbeck played for Austin United alongside several teammates: CHRISTIAN MEZAS, ANGEL RAMIREZ, and incoming transfer—and current roommate—JUD ANDERSON.

"It's always helpful when players can get summer reps together," said Young. "We had quite a few guys playing on different teams, but for the ones who were able to play together, it really showed in their chemistry. Timmy had a great summer, and that's carried right into the fall."

Hollenbeck's performance earned him a spot on the Texas Conference All-League team as one of the top five defenders.
"It was a breakthrough summer for Timmy," said goalkeeper ANGEL RAMIREZ. "He was a key part of that team's success, and you can already see that same rhythm and confidence in his play this fall."

With some lingering preseason injuries, the Hilltoppers will rely on their depth early—creating an opportunity for players like Hollenbeck to step into bigger roles.

"It was a competitive environment that prepared me for the fall," Hollenbeck said. "Especially working with Angel. Every goalkeeper communicates differently, so getting real game reps together helped us build trust and chemistry before we even got back to campus."

The depth is there. The chemistry is building. And now, the lights are on. St. Edward's men's soccer is ready for its moment in the spotlight.