The Holy Cross men’s soccer team is entering the 2025-2026 campaign with high expectations. Led by sophomore fullback Nathan Sanchez, the Saints are poised to once again compete for the CCAC Championship after falling just shy in the semifinals a year ago.
Sanchez, crafty and fully capable of joining the attack, produced six assists last year. His emergence as a threat in all thirds of the pitch propelled him to a spot on the All-CCAC Second Team. Sanchez was one of only two freshmen to be named to an all-conference side.
The question for the Saints largely surrounds who Sanchez will provide service to. Holy Cross’ top two goal-getters from last year in Juan Perez and Isaac Filippo have both graduated. The dynamic forward duo netted 11 and 7 goals apiece. It is most likely their shoes will be filled by junior forward Anthony Panayiotou.
Panayiotou, who can be played either through the middle or out wide, has performed impressively in pre-season play. He’s also one of the only players in the forward line for the Saints with experience in the starting eleven. Panayiotou registered 17 starts last season, notching two goals.
While the forward position remains uncertain, the Saints have an experienced backline. Sophomore Cesar Vela was one of several first-year standouts last season. A tall, imposing center back, Vela’s technical ability sets him apart from most of his positional counterparts in the conference.
Classmate wing Diego Blount also excelled in his first year. A versatile player, Blount’s more than capable of playing both higher and deeper roles. Primarily used further up the pitch, Blount’s blistering pace should add another dangerous element to Holy Cross’ attack.
The Saints will also have to work around the absence of longtime leader Martin Von Thun, who upon graduation from Holy Cross, joined the Notre Dame men’s soccer team for his graduate year of eligibility. Von Thun wore the captain armband as early as sophomore year for the Saints and was consistently a top defender in the NAIA.
The underclassmen who Von Thun mentored will now need to assume the role as leaders of the team should the Saints go marching into the CCAC semifinals once again.
Holy Cross’s toughest games of the season will be against Governors State, Judson (IL) and Trinity Christian (IL). Luckily for the Saints, the latter two of these three games will be played on their home turf.
Holy Cross has 18 regular season games scheduled. Under head coach Omar Gallo, who is entering his 15th year in charge, the Saints have all eyes set on clinching their first CCAC Championship appearance in over a decade.
