MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Below are the Southern States Athletic Conference Players to Watch for the 2025 men’s soccer season.
Each team selected one newcomer and one returner to feature. The regular season begins this weekend. The top eight teams will advance to the first round of the SSAC Championship at campus sites Oct. 30 – Nov. 1. The semifinals and finals will take place in Montgomery, Ala., Nov. 6 and 8.
Blue Mountain Christian
Returner
Kida Yamaguchi
SR, Wing
-Kida is a quality player on the field that we are hoping can step up for us this year.
-We are excited about Kida’s leadership for team and the chemistry he brings on the field.
Newcomer
Daniel Nunes
SO, CAM
-Daniel is a dynamic player on and off ball.
-He will lead our attack to great things this season.
Brewton-Parker Christian
Returner
Will Bayles
SO, Center MID, Nassau, Bahamas
-Looking to build off his freshman season.
-Played for his national team representing the Bahamas.
-Strong anchor in the transition game.
Newcomer
Ilyas Nazih
JR, FWD, Casablanca, Morocco
-Ilyas is a creative player that enjoys taking on players.
-His work ethic, maturity, and willingness to stretch teams make him a valuable player to BPCU. We look forward to what he adds to the program.
Dalton State
Returner
Jaime Mendiola
SR, MID, Dalton, Ga.
-2x All-SSAC
-2022 2nd team All-American
Newcomer
Allan Cahen
FR, Wing, Sao Paulo, Brazil
-Worked way into starting position as a freshman
-Has made an impact in preseason scrimmages with multiple goals scored
Faulkner
Returner
Leo Freire
JR, FWD, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
-27 goal contributions (15 G, 12 A) in 31 matches over his first two seasons at Faulkner
-Tied 6
th (Costa Whitehead 2014-2016) in all-time goals for Faulkner
-3
rd all-time in assists, three behind Alexandre Padoveze 2006-2009
Newcomer
Gunner Blanchard
SO, FWD, Houma, La.
-Versatile player who can play multiple positions on the flanks
-Helped Louisiana Christian to the RRAC Tournament Championship and an NAIA Second Round appearance
Life
Returner
Thomas Rodella
SO, FWD
-Rodella returns to Life following a stellar freshman campaign, where he won SSAC Freshman of the Year and was named to the First Team All-Conference list. Earning national recognition, he was also named a First Team All-American and won the NAIA Golden Boot after leading the country in goals scored.
Newcomer
Pawel Wolny
JR, GK, Missouri Baptist
-Pawel was the 2025 Goalkeeper of the Year in the AMC before transferring to Life U. Pawel was also previously at the University of the Cumberlands
Mobile
Returner
Joseph McMahon
SR, FWD, Liverpool, England
-Scored 18 goals and provided 9 assists last year to help Mobile win the SSAC Regular Season title.
-Was a Second Team All-American, First Team All-Conference, and All-Tournament selection last year.
Newcomer
Retsin Kabambala
JR, MID, Mobile, Ala.
-Spent time at both Pearl River Community College and Cumberland University.
-Primarily operates as a defensive midfielder.
Point
Returner
Diogo Palhoto
SR, CM
-Diogo is a leader and fierce competitor and someone that his teammates can trust. His confidence, work rate and ability in the midfield will be very important for us this Fall.
Newcomer
Mouad Idboufous
FR, CAM
-Mouad is a very technical and dynamic attacking player that will help us with his creativity in the attack this year. His teammates will enjoy combining with him to score goals.
Thomas
Returner
Aaron Sindhar
SR, DEF, Newcastle England
-Returning for his 4th and final year as part of the men's soccer program.
-Has started and played in the most games on the team.
Newcomer
Danny Mauldin
FR, MID, Tallahassee, Fla.
-In 2025 Mauldin earned Second Team All-Big Bend honors for his performance as a midfielder at Chiles High School. In 2024 he was selected to the 850 All-Star game and also earned First Team All-Big Bend honors.
UT Southern
Returner
Riley Barratt
SR, DEF, Cambridge, England
-Started all 18 games in 2024
-Added three assists
Newcomer
Felix Hammel
FR, DEF, Braunschweig, Germany
William Carey
Returner
Rico Duggan
-Came on strong at the end of last season in his freshman year.
-Was named to the NAIA National All-Tournament team.
-Hopefully continues that form into his sophomore year at William Carey.
Newcomer
Daniel Mulero
-One of the best players to come from Juco D1 last season.
-Will score and assist in this team.