MARSHALL, Texas – As the 2025 men's soccer season approaches in the American Southwest Conference (ASC), East Texas Baptist University (ETBU) has been picked to finish third in the ASC Preseason Poll. Under the leadership of head coach Chris Crawford, the Tigers earned 19 points in the poll and open up their season on Friday night at Cornish Field, hosting the University of Dallas. 
 
Sophomore forward Junior Lopez was named the 2025 ASC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. Lopez returns after a standout freshman campaign, in which he led ETBU with 10 goals and added two assists in 18 appearances (17 starts). 
 
Joining Lopez on the ASC Men's Soccer Players to Watch list are junior midfielder Dylan Garcia and sophomore goalkeeper Ryan Lord. Garcia started in 10 matches last season, tallying 7 goals and three assists, while Lord started all 16 matches, recording 68 saves as the Tigers' starting goalkeeper and ASC Freshman Defensive Player of the Year.
 
ETBU kicks off its 2025 campaign on Friday, August 29, at home with the University of Dallas at 7:30 p.m.  The Tigers hold a 2-3-1 record against the Crusaders and secured the victory in their most recent meeting during last year's home opener, winning 2-1. Lopez scored the game's first goal in the 55th minute, followed by Royce McConnell's game-winning goal just 30 minutes later. Goalkeeper Lord earned the win with three crucial saves.  
 
Sunday will be the second home match of the season at 1:00 p.m. as ETBU faces the University of the Ozarks. The Tigers lead the all-time series against the Eagles, 17-9-3, with an 8-5-2 record at home. In their most recent matchup, ETBU's defense dominated the second half, holding Ozarks to just one shot on goal. Lopez and Regan Trojacek scored for the Tigers, recording three shots—two on target. Lord secured the win in goal, making two saves while allowing just one score.