Houston Christian University Head Coach
Ryan Pratt pushed his recruiting class for 2025 to eight on Thursday as he announced the signing of Aidan Lopez, a transfer from Chicago State University.
The 5'8 midfielder from Waco, Texas started eight times in 13 appearances for the Cougars in his rookie campaign. Lopez scored both of his goals in the season finale against Howard. He recorded 12 shots total on the season, seven coming on goal with both ranking third on the club.
PRATT ON LOPEZ:
"Aidan is a quick technical player. He will add some dynamic ability with his final third combination play and his willingness to get at defenders in 1v1 situations. He also has the ability to slow the tempo down and has a really good feel and IQ for the game. His movement on the ball and his quick and simple play in possession will fit our style of play. We are very excited to have him joining the HCU family!"
With the addition of Lopez, the 2025 recruiting class now sits at eight. He becomes the sixth transfer in the group, and will join the following previous signings:
⚽️ Marcos Moore –Forward / St. Louis University
⚽️ Kacey Parrish – Midfielder / Lake Erie College
⚽️ Jace Starling – Forward / Paris Junior College
⚽️ Nico Kross – Defender / East Tennessee State University
⚽️ Angel Jaimes – Goalkeeper / Houston Dynamo Academy
⚽️ Nygel Jobe – Midfielder / Defender / Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
⚽️
Chris Grote – Defender / Hamilton High School
HCU ended its second season in the Ohio Valley Conference with an 8-7-5 overall mark and 5-2-3 ledger in league play. Seven players earned postseason honors for the Huskies, including outgoing seniors
Sam Zeeman, who was chosen OVC Defensive Player of the Year and named to the United Soccer Coaches All-Region team, and
Ethan Giwa-McNeil.
Ryan Okerayi and
D'Alessandro Herrera were each named to the All-Conference team for the second straight year, while goalkeeper
Alex Aitken earned All-Conference honors for the first time.
The Huskies finished ahead of Liberty, UIW and Western Illinois in their four-team pod and earn a first-round bye in the conference tournament where they handled Lindenwood in the semifinals 2-0 before falling in a heartbreaking 3-2 double-overtime loss to two-time defending champ SIUE in the title match.
The third-place finish in the league overall came one season after not qualifying for the tournament in the OVC's first season. HCU's eight wins overall were the most since 2015 team won nine matches, and also the first winning record in a season since that 2015 club. The five conference victories were the most since going 5-6 in the WAC during the 2019 season.
#DawgsUp
